CAT expert Lorraine Spencer has warned owners of older cats that the animals could wander off as they grow frail and lose their sight and hearing.

Mrs Spencer, who runs the Devizes Kats and Kits in Care sanctuary, has had several instances lately where older cats have strayed from home and been unable to find their way back.

Two were returned very quickly but the incidents highlight the care that must be taken with older cats.

She said: "Because people may have had their cats since they were kittens, they often don't recognise the signs that their animals are getting increasingly dependent.

"Like humans, as brain cells degenerate they develop problems with sight, hearing and senile dementia. It becomes increasingly important to take your cat to the vet for a check-up.

"Instead of putting them out at night, you must keep them in.

She added that gardens should be fenced to keep cats in. "If your cat disappears do everything to try and get it back," she said. "Post flyers around your area. Contact all the vets."

Mrs Spencer said older cats on long-term medication should have the dose monitored at the vet because they take less exercise and have a reduced metabolic rate.