A VETERINARY practice has shown its support for a local animal charity.

Hexham-based Scott Mitchell Associates Veterinary Practice has supported RSPCA Northumberland West with a donation of tasty cat treats.

One hundred cats will enjoy a month’s supply of Add One®, allowing them a daily salmon paste treat in the lead up to Christmas and beyond.

The practice team is delighted to help brighten up the festive season with some stocking fillers for our four-legged friends.

Small animal project manager Lucy Swinton said: "It's a pleasure to support RSPCA Northumberland West with this donation.

"Treats can play an integral part in forming a bond, especially if animals are nervous of human interaction.

"These treats come in paste form, which is really handy when giving medication to cats, reducing handling stress and allowing easy consumption.”

While it is important not to over-indulge pets, these treats are a great every day option as they are low in calories, and have other health benefits.

Lucy added: “Treats can be useful to make activities such as grooming a more positive experience, and of course it is also lovely to see the unique character and personality of each feline start to shine!”

RSPCA Northumberland West is based on Battle Hill in Hexham and cares for hundreds of animals each year including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and, at the moment, some degus!

It relies on donations from the public to carry out its work within the community.

This year has been particularly challenging as the charity shop branches, which contribute most of the funding for the care of animals, were forced to close for many months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trustee Jan Ormiston said: “This will help us provide a high level of quality care for our cats – thank you for thinking of us at this time of year.

"The cats will certainly appreciate these, like Sparty, Nent and Lee who will be looking for their forever homes in the New Year."

Members of the public can support RSPCA Northumberland West by visiting its charity shops in Hexham, Prudhoe and Rothbury. Scott Mitchell Associates provides a professional and comprehensive range of veterinary services to farmers, equine and pet owners in Northumberland, Tyneside and County Durham.