A Norwich animal charity is appealing for garden items to create a 'cat garden' at its animal home.

The RSPCA Norwich and Mid-Norfolk branch is asking people to donate a variety of garden items, such as patio furniture and garden ornaments and boredom breakers such as windmills and hanging mobiles. They would also like wooden logs, outdoor lights, large pots to hold cat friendly plants and to grow cat grass and a small dog kennel.

The cattery at the Paws Centre, in Barrack Street, has pods for each cat which meet RSPCA standards in terms of being a good size and giving animals access to a sheltered outdoor area and fresh air.

However, the centre always struggles to find new homes for its animals, and the new garden will help long-stay felines to spend time in a more natural outdoor environment, particularly when its volunteer 'cat fussers' visit to stroke and spoil them.

Animal care assistant Paige Burnham said: 'We are really keen to create an environment that the cats can explore and investigate so that they can spend some time outside whilst in our care. We have an excellent cattery at the centre and we would love to add this extra dimension to enhance the lives of the cats in our care – especially our long-stay residents like Del.'

To donate items, contact the centre on 01603 766001 or email animal care manager Claire Feek at cfeek@rspcanorwich.org.

To adopt or rehome an animal, log on to www.rspcanorwich.org or contact the centre.