HAPPY endings are being sought for 100 felines who were discovered in small dog crates in a house in Cornwall.

Gables Farm Dogs' and Cats' Home has taken in 16 of the rescued Persian pussycats who are looking for purrfect homes.

Katie Barkell, marketing and fundraising officer at Gables Farm, said: "Their fur has matted to their skin, so a lot have had to be shaved.

They were all underweight and had problems with urine burns to the skin and sores. Two unfortunately passed away. We nearly lost another but we took her to the vets and she's doing well now. She's quite lively now compared to what she was!

"We're re-homing them in pairs because they've had such a bad start to life. It's not quite so scary for them going into a new environment."

Two pairs of Persians have been re-homed to the same prospective owner and another pair have been reserved.

Although not looking their absolute best at the present time and with full health yet to be restored, Gables Farm are looking to re-home the remaining cats.

As they were found in such poor health, the home has been unable to ascertain their exact ages but say they range from one to five years old.

"They've all started to act like proper cats," Katie said. "They were drinking out of rabbit water-bottles, so they didn't know how to drink out of bowls.

"Considering they haven't been handled they're quite good, really. They wriggle but aren't aggressive. They're really sweet."

Gables Farm Dogs' and Cats' Home is situated at Merafield Road. If you would like to offer a new home to these cute cats, please call 01752 331602 or visit www.gablesfarm.org.uk.