Cams Ridge in Fareham has adopted a three-year-old cat from local shelter Second Chance Cats Portsmouth.

The move was prompted by residents, many of whom are animal lovers, with reminiscing about pets being one of their biggest talking points.

The home’s official pet, called Tiger, is settling in well and loves snuggling up on residents’ laps. He also has plenty of areas to explore in the home’s secure gardens, where residents can watch his antics from the windows.

Sabina Stan, acting manager of the 51-bed home in Charlemont Drive, Portchester, said: “Pet therapy is known to prove extremely beneficial to care home residents.

“Regular visits by furry friends help people relax, they provide comfort, increase mental stimulation, encourage memories and conversations, and bring a real sense of happiness.

“We now have taken this therapy a step further and adopted an official home cat so residents can have the company of a pet every day.

“We decided that it would be nice to offer a loving home to a cat from a shelter that may not have had the best start in life.”

The home was vetted by the charity to decide which of its cats would be suitable. Several were put forward and residents chose which one they liked best from a selection of photos. They chose Tiger as he reminded many of pets they had when they were younger.

Stan added: “He seems to have a sixth sense about where he is living. He is gentle and empathetic with the residents.”

Second Chance has been rescuing and rehoming cats and dogs in the Portsmouth area for 20 years. Its animals must go to loving safe homes so onsite checks are a key part of its re-homing process.