WANTED: a deaf person to give a good home to a deaf cat.
Sixteen-year-old Sandy's meowing is so loud in the early hours of the morning she's desperately seeking an owner who can put up with her.
The homeless moggie has been cared for by volunteers at Cats Protection Caterham, Redhill and East Surrey since she was found as a stray at the end of last year.
Branch members say Sandy's vociferous nature means she does not suit a home with children, other pets or immediate neighbours.
Now national deafness charity Action on Hearing Loss is lending a helping paw to see if a deaf owner can be found.
"Sandy is so lovely," said Jacky Eyres, branch co-ordinator for Cats Protection Caterham, Redhill and East Surrey.
"She is so sweet, very old, but she is a gentle and nice cat. She doesn't ask for much out of life and doesn't even care much for going out."
Despite her docile nature, Sandy has a habit of waking up at around 5am every day and meowing very loudly because she cannot hear her own cries.
This routine has made it difficult for the group to find her a new home.
"We had one offer for her from someone in a flat," Ms Eyres said.
"Well, can you imagine what the neighbours and people living above or below would think?
"She needs a detached house which is big enough that she won't wake up the people living there.
"Or a deaf owner would be perfect."
In an attempt to find Sandy a new owner, Action on Hearing Loss has stepped in to appeal to the deaf community.
Sandy is currently being fostered by Cats Protection volunteers whose affection for her helps them look past her early morning calls.
But the group wants to find the vocal feline a home to call her own – ideally with an owner who understands her predicament.
Ms Eyres added: "She would make a fantastic house cat as she snoozes most of the day away but would like her owner to be around a lot of the time.
"It would be the cat's whiskers to see her find a home to call her own."
Can you home Sandy? Call 0845 371 2739.
