Stray Cat Rescue Team West Midlands have put out a call for long term foster carers for Maximus - the stray cat who has melted the hearts of thousands around the region.

The back and white cat - believed to be around 12-years-old - was taken in to the teams care last week after being stray for up to ten years. He was reported to the team after local residents became worried about his condition, and has been under the care of specialist staff since he arrived into their care.

However, the team are now looking for long term foster carer to join them to look after Maximus. A spokesperson for SCRT said:

"In honesty, we don't know how much time Maximus has left. It could be years, months or even days so we're looking for someone who is the best fit possible.

"They need to be home a lot of the time - ideally working from home or retired - and willing to give him as much care and attention as possible. We urge you to think long and hard as this could be quite an emotional rollercoaster."

A list of requirements has been produced and prospective foster carers are asked to apply only if they fit the criteria fully. Whilst they appreciate the enormity of the request, SCRT have also confirmed that Maximus' care and other costs will be covered by the organisation for the rest of his life.

Applicants should visit the team's Facebook page and send them a message with as much information as possible about their home life, family, other pets, experience of similar situations etc. There's no deadline and each application will be assessed and verified on its own merits.