WITH the festive period approaching many people will be considering a cat as a gift for their family.

It is important to remember cats live for longer than the Christmas period and adopting one is a weighty commitment.

Sonia Grant is a foster carer for Hounslow Animal Welfare Society and explains what you need to think about before adopting and the joy cats can bring to a household.

You can donate to Hounslow Animal Welfare Society at http://www.haws-animals.org.uk/