THE RSPCA is hoping to reunite a blind cat found wandering in a street with its owner.

The cat, named Marmalade because of his colour, is being cared for at the Felledge Cattery in Chester-le-Street after being found wandering in Baltimore Court, Washington. It is thought he might have been unable to find his way home.

He was taken to the PDSA in Gateshead by the passer-by who found him and staff contacted the RSPCA.

Felledge manager Maggie Eden said: "He’s a lovely, large neutered male, mainly ginger with a white chest and paws, and he’s blind.

"When he came into us he was wearing a black collar with a bell on it, so he is obviously owned by someone. Unfortunately he wasn’t wearing an identity tag and wasn’t micro-chipped so we have no way of tracing his owner."

Micro-chipping is a permanent way of connecting owner and pet, increasing the chances of returning an animal to its owner if it is lost, stolen or strays. "It’s so important, and so easy, " said Ms Eden.

"A tiny microchip with it’s own unique code is implanted under the animal’s skin and the owners details are put onto a database. It’s just a matter of matching them up."

"We’re really hoping someone comes forward for him," said Maggie. "He’s in great condition so it would seem he’s well-loved and presumably being badly missed. It would be great to re-unite him with his family."

Anyone who thinks he is their cat, or knows who he might belong to, should call the cattery on 0300 123 0708.