We launch search for Worcester News readers' favourite cat

These cute, in some cases naughty kitties, will now go before the public vote with Worcester News readers having the final say on which cat is crowned the winner.

All you have to do is click here to vote for your favourite.

The competition was launched last month in a partnership between the Worcester News and the charity, as it celebrates moving to its new location in St John's, at units 59-61.

The owner of the winning cat will win the opportunity to cut the ribbon of the new store, along with a canvass picture of their cat and a hamper full of treats for both owner and pet.

The ribbon will be cut on Saturday, May 2, at 10.45am.

MURPHY

Belonging to Ellie Hunstone

This is my cat Murphy he is the best cat in Worcestershire because on the 1st of February he went missing for 11 days.

The whole of my village, and others around, were searching for him and miraculously 11 days later he turned up outside the door as thin as a stick calling for us.

He is also very loving and is willing for attention. Murphy has a loving family and is taken care by me (Ellie) and my sister Alexis.

So that is why Murphy is the best cat in Worcestershire.

ISAAC

Belonging to Annette Kemp

Isaac is the best cat ever as never have I met a cat with such a generous spirit. He has welcomed so many foster cats and kittens into his home, helping them gain much needed confidence and enabling them to move onto homes of their own.

Without Isaac's acceptance I would never have been able to take some of the more challenging foster cats.He even includes our dog (with all his issues) as part of his social group.

Never overlook a black cat because they are ordinary. You just don't know what you are missing.

BRUCE

Belonging to Sophie Haywood

He was rescued four years ago, and was under the care of the Worcester Cats Protection for a long time.

He has FIV so was difficult to re home however we fell in love at first sight!

We have two little girls, Bruce will only sleep on their beds when they are ill, and will stay with them until they are asleep.

Bruce will only drink water using his paw, even drinking from the fish bowl but never harming the fish.

We have a child with additional needs and they have a special connection that cannot be explained.

Bruce is amazing and loved by all.

COSMO

Belonging to Lynne Parish

My best friend always greets me.

Cos never asks for anything in return, only attention. He loves his owner the best. He likes devoted attention and follows me around ALL the time.

If I don't pay him attention, “Prince Cos” jumps on my back. If ignored he sits on the sofa and paws and touches me or meows.

Cos likes to bring toys and will happily play fetch.

Cos had a severe ear infection which stopped him walking for a while. He now has a permanent tilted head but has compensated and has lots of amazing ways to walk and jump.

He is purrrrrrfect.

BEANS

Belonging to Trevor and Karen Hill

Eighteen months ago we adopted the most beautiful, but timid and shy, black cat from the Worcester cat protection. She was named 'Candy'. Overtime this was shortened to 'Cans'.

One day, for no real reason this became 'Can of Beans', and then later 'Beans'.

On a cold day she is 'Chilly Beans'

On a hot days it's 'Baked Beans'

When she plays she's 'Full of Beans' , 'Runner Beans' or 'Jumping Beans'.

We have the most beautiful, affectionate and loving cat.

We wouldn't be without you 'Miss Beans'

LEO

Belonging to Helen Freed

My name is Leo and I am the best cat because: I am tall, big and strong, With a striped tail that is bushy and long.

I am fluffy, white and ginger, Silent like a mouse, mum calls me a ninja!

I love my family and give them a purr, But then I leave their sofa all covered in fur!

I have a sister and she is called Bea, We were re-homed by a Cats Protection plea We like to scrap but love each other, But we love it best when we are asleep under the bed cover.

MILLY

Belonging to Kathryn Beardshall

My name is Milly and I'm over 20 years old.

My "Mum" adopted my sister and I from Cats Protection 10 years ago. We had been there 9 months as nobody wanted two older black cats, but my "Mum" thinks I'm the best cat in Worcester.

I'm very gentle, love a fuss and would never hurt anyone. I got on well with my doggy friend who used to live with us and even like children!

I receive regular treatment for kidney disease without complaining, and despite my age I still enjoy pottering in the garden and lying in the sun.

NOAH

Belonging to Sue Southwick

When he is good he is very, very good. And everybody loves him.

But when he is bad he is “my cat” And he loves me.

Noah, a Bengal, arrived after shredding a house and living a Houdini life style.

He can open windows and doors, loves to play with water and plays on the roof tops at night.

He provides us with love and entertainment, following us everywhere, “talks” to us all day and cuddles up at night, What more could you ask from the best cat in the world.

JEFF

Belonging to Kathleen Wadams

Meet 'my boy' Jeff.

He is 7 years old and has been my friend and companion for four years.

He loves his home comforts,especially chicken and/or salmon! Jeff likes to talk with me especially walking round the garden and is prone to having a dance from time to time.

He is a lap cat and purrs continually, since he has been with me my blood pressure has come down too.

As Charles Dickens said " What greater gift than the love of a cat" - in this instance my Jeff.

MAISIE

Belonging to Gill Hames

I think I should win this competition simply for my pretty face.

I was with a cats protection mother awaiting a new home with my brothers and sisters, when Gill and Jan came along and adopted me.

As you can see from my photo, my favourite hobby is bird-watching. I also love climbing ladders ,climbing the clothes horse, where I balance on the rungs, and running up and down stairs to keep myself fit.

I love sitting inside the food cupboard too, it’s a mind game with my adopted parents, as to how much food I can con them into giving me.

• Now vote for your favourite. Click here.