If you are a lover of all things feline, then adopting a cat might be one of your New Year's Resolutions. 

As 2023 begins, many pets are waiting patiently in shelters across the region to find their forever homes; to help them along The Northern Echo has compiled a list of some of the sweet and loving cats that are available for adoption in the region.

Adoption centres are filled with perfect pets - and though all of the animals on this list line in Cats Protection Tyneside, there are many pets in different shelters also in need of homes.

You might be about to find your new best friend!

Thomas, Domestic Shorthair, Tabby 

The Northern Echo:

Two-year-old Thomas is a "very unique kitty", as he only has one eye, and a stumpy tail, following a few health issues. 

The shelter staff say: "[My missing eye] has made me a bit shy and self-conscious at the moment and although I have been out of sorts, I just need my new home so that I can settle down and be loved by humans who don't mind my individuality."

Thomas is assumed to be around two years and two months old and has a few specific needs in his new home, such as no other pets, or children, as well as outside access. 

Wednesday, Domestic Short Hair, Black

The Northern Echo:

Wednesday is a former stray who was picked up near a shopping centre and is on the hunt for a forever home. She is a little shy, but the shelter staff advise that she will warm up with time. She is very young but needs a home with no other pets to feel fully comfortable. 

Read more: RSPCA: 7 dogs up for adoption in Middlesbrough and Chester-le-Street

The shelter says:  "Just like my Addams family namesake I can be a little emotionally reserved until you get to know me. Then I'm a sweet young lady. I was picked up as a stray near a shopping centre so I am clearly a typical teenage girl in all respects. Would you like to guide me into adulthood? I've not had much luck so far and would really like a forever home where I could feel safe for the rest of my life."

Bonbon, Domestic Short Hair, Tabby 

The Northern Echo:

Thirteen-year-old Bonbon is a confident cat, who likes to be shown plenty of love and care. As older cats are often overlooked in shelters, Bonbon needs to be given a chance to live out her golden years in a loving home. 

The shelter site says: "I am a pretty girl - don't you agree? I am quiet at the moment but not short on confidence, just a typical cat really, and I love affection being showered on me whenever people are free to do so. I would love a new forever home to call my own.

"I would need to be an only pet because I had cystitis in my previous home as there were many kitties there and I was a bit stressed. If I go to a calm home, hopefully, that will sort the problem out."

Mr Business and Sterling, Domestic Long Hair/ Domestic Short Hair, Tortoiseshell

The Northern Echo:

This adorable bonded pair have become best friends during their time at the Cats Protection Adoption Centre, so they need a home together, that doesn't mind rambunctious young cats. 

The shelter site says: "Partners in crime Sterling and Mr Business just love to play with each other. We love toys and whoever adopts us will have lots of fun and laughter watching us get up to our antics. We would have to go to a home together as we would be very sad if we were separated."

The pair are happy to live with other cats and families - but do need outside access. 

Mountain Dew, Domestic Short Hair, Tabby 

The Northern Echo:

This quirkily named cat is a sweet girl but has found life in the shelter difficult, making her anxious to find her new permanent home. Following some health issues, Mountain Dew has developed a sensitivity to certain kinds of food, but the shelter is hopeful she will be able to eat normal food soon. 

Read next: 

The shelter site says: "I am a very pretty young girl who came into care with flea allergy dermatitis which is under control but I would need to have a good vet flea treatment. I have been on a sensitive dry food but am slowly being weaned onto the food that all the cats here are on and that is going well. When I go to my new home I will hopefully be on the normal food and will have no further issues. I really am a lovable girl who is very anxious to get to my new forever home."

All of these cats are currently living at Cats Protection's Tyneside Adoption Centre - and you can enquire about adoption by calling 0191 653 1052.