From cat with heartbreaking wish list to abandoned SNAKE - these adorable animals are desperate for home this Christmas
Daniel Johnson
Updated on March 16, 2026
AS most of us head to our families at Christmas, animals in the care of the RSPCA also want nothing more than a warm and loving place to call home.
But the number of abandonment cases dealt with by the charity is at a three-year high.
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And some of their adorable charges have been waiting almost 12 months to find a cosy fire to lie next to or a lap to curl up on.
Today we feature 12 of the RSPCA’s residents who are hoping Santa delivers the best present of all . . .
- To adopt any of the animals or find out more, contact the name of RSPCA centre where they are being housed.
Willow
THIS little moggy at Newport in Gwent is looking for a quiet home where she can relax and be the centre of attention.
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She loves chasing feather toys and staring at birds through the window.
And once Willow trusts you, she will sleep the day away on your lap.
But she needs to be an only pet.
Charlie
DESPITE winning over the hearts of workers at Danaher in Wethersfield, Essex, this one-year-old lurcher has been looking for a family for 300 days.
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He loves spending time with people, be that in the car or simply sitting next to them.
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Sydney
ONE-year-old Sydney is looking for a family who will take the time to help bring him out of his shell – as he is a bit shy.
He has been in the Hants and Surrey Border centre for 200 days.
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Carers say Sydney is a big food lover and would enjoy having another cat to play with.
Johnny
BUNNY Johnny is looking for a house to call a home after being saved by the Kent-North West RSPCA from a “poor living situation”.
The one-year-old rabbit loves his toys, herbs, having a run-around and would be a perfect house pet.
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Elvis
THIS handsome chap is keen to have some older children to play with – after spending 187 days in care at Felledge in Chester Moor, Co Durham.
The black and white moggy, aged three, was found with a horrific cat bite abscess on the side of his face that left an open wound.
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Bella
FRENCH bulldog Bella was given up to the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire branch because her original owners were unable to care for her.
Due to all the upheaval, the dog is a little nervous and would like an adult-only home.
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Once settled, Bella will have lots of love to give.
Barnaby
BOA constrictor Barnaby has been waiting five years to be adopted.
He is the longest-residing reptile at the Sussex North and Brighton RSPCA branch.
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Barnaby has been trained by staff to improve his temperament but needs an experienced owner and a large cage to feel secure in a new home.
Iggy and Pop
IF you happen to have a little more outdoor space, these two pigs are in need of a new shelter.
The pair have overcome their shyness to woo workers at Block Fen in Cambridgeshire and love nothing more than spending a day eating and sleeping.
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Iggy adores belly rubs while Pop likes to have his head scratched.
Pepper
SEVEN-year-old lurcher Pepper has been waiting at Llys Nini, Swansea, for 800 days.
She almost had a new owner earlier this year, but the rehoming fell through.
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The cute pooch loves to curl up under a blanket or by a radiator to keep cosy.
Zeus
STAFFY-cross Zeus in the Leeds, Wakefield and District branch is looking for a nurturing household after becoming one of the longest-staying dogs at the RSPCA.
He adores people and would love the company of someone all day.
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Zeus has had a rough past and is not good with other dogs, so will need an understanding owner.
Ginger
OLD lady Ginger is desperate to find a loving lap to curl up on this Christmas after spending 120 days without a home.
The cat, who is at the Manchester and Salford RSPCA branch, was handed over to the charity after Ginger’s owner could no longer look after her.
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Rex
LURCHER Rex is a big fan of playing games and going for long walks – whatever the weather.
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The energetic bundle of joy at the Coventry and District branch has not had any applications from potential owners and is in need of loving carers.
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Rex will require someone to continue his obedience training.
