STAFF at Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard marked taking in their 100th cat for 2014 . . . but she’s not just any cat.

Rusty, a domestic short hair who is four years old, used to live on a narrow boat, and by repeatedly launching herself into the river where the boat was moored she eventually taught herself to swim.

Tara Nirula, acting Head of Animal Care at Ferne, said: “Rusty came to us because, sadly, her owners became homeless.

“She’s a very special cat, definitely one of a kind, because not many can swim!

“She has lots of character and is very playful, but she can sometimes be quite feisty.

“She’s a keen hunter, so ideally suited to a rural home with no children.

“Ideally, she needs someone who has no other pets and time to help her settle – a couple or a very special person would be perfect.

“Rusty can also be quite timid sometimes, so her new owner will need to be patient.

“Rusty has had lots of different homes, so she now needs to settle down somewhere permanent and have a stable life.

“If you think you’d like to meet Rusty with a view to giving her a home, please ring us.”

Call the sanctuary on 01460-65214.