[H1]HITCHIN: The RSPCA in our town are currently seeking a loving home to adopt a cute cat.[H1]

With cats, and animal welfare, sadly back in the news today (Tuesday, February 8) after the disgraceful actions by a Premier League footballer, as an antidote to such hateful behaviour we thought it would be nice if we could find a loving family for a fantastic feeline.

West Ham's Kurt Zouma has been widely condemned for hitting his cat after a video emerged of the France defender kicking and slapping his pet.

The video shows 27-year-old Zouma kicking the cat across the floor and slapping it in the face. While the player has apologised with the club insisting they will deal with the incident internally, the disturbing incident has shocked many.

So, in a spirit of love not hate, here's a little information about Murphy.

And even if you're not thinking of adopting a cat in Hitchin, please consider sharing this article with someone who might. Kurt Zouma need not apply.

[H1]Learn more about Murphy[H1]

RSPCA Hitchin said: "Every dog deserves a loving owner. Lovely Murphy came into our care after having been on a bit of an adventure.

"Murphy is a lovely cat, he likes to be groomed and enjoys having people around him, in fact at the cattery we have noticed that he will only eat his food when someone is with him.

"We think Murphy would like a new home with either one or two adults where things are quite calm. He would love to have access to a safe, well fenced garden where he can explore and play or lay in the sun on a warm day.

"Murphy has only been with us a week but his character is already showing through and he had made friends with the staff easily. He even likes to take a wander round the corridoor if he is allowed to."

Murphy was found three years ago as a stray and despite attempts to find his owner at that time no one came forward so his finder continued to care for him. Sadly they have recently gone into hospital - with the RSPCA asked to rehome Murphy.

"On arrival with us we discovered he was infact microchipped and had been missing for six years," they added. "Unfortunately, his original owner wasn't in a position to take Murphy back so it was agreed that we will rehome him.

"We think Murphy would like a new home with either one or two adults where things are quite calm. Murphy has only been with us a week but his character is already showing through and he had made friends with the staff easily. He even likes to take a wander round the corridor if he is allowed to.

"He would love to have access to a safe, well fenced garden where he can explore and play or lay in the sun on a warm day."

They add that even though Murphy is an older cat he definitely still has a spring in his step and is a big kitten at heart.

[H1]Interested? Learn more[H1]

If you are interested in offering Murphy a forever home please drop an e-mail to [email protected]. One of our team will then contact you to discuss our adoption protocol in more details.

While the RSPCA do not have an animal centre to visit, you can arrange to visit any animal you are enquiring about once your home visit has been successfully completed.

All animals are either in a private cattery or with fosterers within our local area. Take a look at the 'rehome a pet - how to adopt' section on their website for further information.

Or why not pay a visit to the RSPCA's Hitchin shop which sells bric a brac, mens and women's clothing, shoes, toys, puzzles, books, music, pictures, small pieces of furniture and any other item that is donated to the branch.

Further information

The Hertfordshire East Branch is run in the main by volunteers.

The office is based in Baldock and is open Monday to Friday between 10am to 4pm.

The Hitchin shop is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 430pm.

You can contact them on 07500 967145 or email [email protected]

The area covered by the Hertfordshire East Branch includes Ashwell, Baldock, Buntingford, Great Offley, Harpenden, Hertford, Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Little Hadham, Oaklands, Royston, Stevenage, Walkern, Ware, Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City and Wheathampstead.