These black cats, busy trying to deliver good fortune to others, are having trouble being their own lucky mascots.

Unless they find homes soon, they will have to be put down.

The four strays are being cared for at Medivet, in Eastwoodbury Lane, Southend.

Trainee veterinary nurse Kelly Hanmore said: "Everyone thinks black cats are lucky, but they are very difficult to home. If they were unusual long haired cats, they would go a lot quicker."

The youngest cat is a small female, and is very friendly. Then there is a large castrated male cat, timid, and not keen on other cats.

The third is another large male with many fight wounds, and the fourth cat is black and white, and currently recovering from a skin complaint thought to be caused by fleas.

Kelly urged cat owners to make sure their cats were spayed or neutered to stop the number of strays or homeless cats.

Anyone who can help is urged to ring the surgery during working hours on 01702 526666.

Unlucky - three of the four strays which need a new home or they face being to put to sleep

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.