A special appeal to find new homes this summer for three cats and a rabbit who are being continually overlooked by adopters has been launched by the RSPCA.

The animals have all come into the care of the charity's Macclesfield, SE Cheshire and Buxton Branch because of heartbreaking circumstances and have collectively spent nearly 950 days waiting to be chosen.

As rehoming rates slow down because of cost of living pressures, the charity is urging anyone who is thinking about taking on a new pet to consider adopting instead of buying.

The overlooked quartet, who have only had five enquiries between them, include golden oldie Tigger, who has been in foster care for over 330 days. The 12-year-old black and white cat came into rescue after his elderly owner sadly passed away.

Can you provide some late bounce into Tigger's life? (Image - RSPCA Macclesfield)

Despite his advancing years, Tigger's energy and behaviour are more akin to a cat half his age, and he'd make a lively and engaging companion.

RSPCA Macclesfield said: "He loves playing with shoelaces and catnip-stuffed toy bananas, and his favourite sleeping spot is a laundry bag."

"Tigger can grab if he gets over-excited, so he will need experienced and patient cat owners in an adult-only home."

Also part of the roar-some foursome is Princess, a five-year old tortoiseshell cat.

Princess is looking proud as punch in this mugshot, but she requires a new home. (Image - RSPCA Macclesfield)

Princess was left behind in a property after her owners were evicted, is also one of the branch's longest-staying animals.

"A little timid at first, she spent the first few days hidden but is now much more confident and has blossomed into a friendly girl who loves a fuss," said RSPCA Macclesfield.

"Occasionally she will sit close to you and staff at the cattery think she will blossom even further in her own home.

"Princess came into rescue 180 days ago and is looking for a pet-free home."

18-month-old bunny Nero needs a new home, according to RSPCA Macclesfield.

But it is not just cats that seek a new home at RSPCA Macclesfield.

Handsome cross breed rabbit Nero is a nervous bunny who will need a patient home after he was abandoned and left to perish by his previous owners.

He's been waiting for 266 days and hasn't had a single rehoming enquiry during that time.

"Nero can be won over with tasty treats and would suit an adult only home or family who have children over ten years old," said RSPCA Macclesfield.

Nero has not had any interest since he was rescued. Could you help change that? (Image - RSPCA Macclesfield)

"He's been neutered and will need a female rabbit for company and housing that meets RSPCA requirements."

Nero's story was previously told in THIS Macclesfield Nub News article.

Six year-old Toskha was rescued from traumatic circumstances 166 days ago after she was found alone in a house after her owner had sadly passed away. After taking a few weeks to settle in her foster home she has come out of her shell and loves to sun herself by a window. She's quite an independent character and likes her own space, although at times during the day she'll come and meow for a fuss. Toshka would make a lovely addition to a home that is looking for an easy-going cat with lots of love to give.

Macclefield Branch Rehoming Coordinator Carmen Cole said: "Sadly, we're seeing an increasing number of animals who need our help - some of whom have been the victims of cruelty and neglect - but our rehoming rates have slowed this year as many families feel the pinch of the cost of living crisis and make the decision not to take on a pet.

Toshka is currently being fostered in Macclesfield, but seeks a fur-ever home. (Image - RSPCA Macclesfield)

"Tigger, Princess, Nero and Toshka have been continually overlooked, but they really deserve a second chance at happiness and we'd appeal to those people who do feel they can commit to the cost and responsibility of an animal to please consider adopting from us instead of buying from a breeder or a pet shop."

Macclesfield: If you would like to rehome one of these animals please email [email protected], or click the links on this article.

The cost of living is seriously impacting pet owners as well as RSPCA branches like Macclesfield, SE Cheshire and Buxton. More animals are coming into rescue and more people are asking for help because of the increasing cost of owning a pet. It has also led to a reduction in the number of people who are willing to take on an animal as they try to save money.

Food bills and other costs have soared and animals are staying with the RSPCA for longer as fewer people are adopting, which means spaces at rehoming centres and in foster homes are becoming available less often. As a result, around 200 RSPCA cats are currently being looked after at private boarding facilities.

The charity branch recently underwent a rebrand.

A dedicated cost of living hub and telephone helpline (0300 123 0650) has been set up by the RSPCA and pet owners are being urged to seek help if required. 

In the summer, the RSPCA they collect an abandoned animal every hour across the UK, and they receive an extra 1000 calls to their emergency phone line. Their calls have increased by 6.4% since 2020.