If Toto could speak he’d say, “I’ve been overlooked because of my independent streak.”

This adventurous three-year-old black cat was taken into care by Cats Protection’s Ferndown Adoption Centre after he began to stray, seeking adventures on his own rather than remaining with the other cats in the household.

He’s been ‘fit to home’ for over a month but the average wait from this point for cats across the charity’s network is usually just 12 days, meaning Toto has already spent three times longer than most waiting to be chosen by a new owner.

Tanya Knox, deputy manager at Ferndown Adoption Centre, explains: “Toto is probably best described as a friendly yet independent boy. He is pretty sociable once he gets to know and trust you. He always seems excited to see us, enjoying company and liking a fuss. He enjoys a good head rub and does a great meerkat impression. At the same time, he very much prefers affection to be on his terms, with the occasional gentle swipe if something isn’t to his liking.”

Like his film and literary canine counterpart, who also had a silky black coat and loved an adventure, Toto would be best suited to an environment where he can explore. Staff and volunteers at the centre on Cobham Road believe a rural or semi-rural location would be best, ideally a home with a large, interesting garden and few other local cats.

Tanya adds: “Toto has shown us that he occasionally likes to offer himself as a lap cat but he is mainly a big fan of the outside world. His previous owners told us he was a good hunter, so could enjoy the role of a family working cat. He also enjoys his meals and likes to play with a variety of toys, particularly his red heart toy, which we imagine reminds him of some ruby slippers!

“Toto is truly a cat with a big personality. He is an intelligent boy who is entertaining to watch, and with the right understanding, will make a very rewarding addition to an adult household.”

When Toto first arrived at the centre he had some redness to his gums which responded well to a short course of anti-inflammatories and was suspected to be a viral flare linked to stress. The charity would therefore like to find him a low-stress environment where he can enjoy plenty of freedom and return for affection when he wishes.

Like all cats in Cats Protection’s care, Toto is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, up-to-date with his flea and worm treatments and new owners will be eligible for four weeks of free pet insurance while he settles.

This year, support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery is helping to cover the costs of looking after cats in Cats Protection centres while they wait to find new homes and it has funded the care of around 50 cats like Toto at the Ferndown centre over the past year.

To find out more about giving Toto his very own version of Kansas, contact the centre on 03000 120 175 or visit www.cats.org.uk/ferndown

The direct link for the YouTube video of Toto can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNsyUhewubE