Cats Protection is asking cat lovers to remember them in their will, in light of a campaign which highlights that people leaving at least ten per cent of their estate to charity will benefit from an inheritance tax break.

Launched this month, the Legacy 10 campaign is being supported by high profile figures including Sir Richard Branson and points out that from April 2012, people who leave at least ten per cent of their estate to charities will pay less inheritance tax - 36 per cent instead of 40 per cent.

Cats Protection helps over 230,000 unwanted cats and kittens each year through a network of 257 branches and 30 branches, and over half of its income comes from gifts left in wills.

For every cat the charity finds a home for, there are many more waiting to come in, hence Cats Protection is keen for more gifts so that they can continue and hopefully expand their cat welfare work.

Matt Vincent, Cats Protection’s Legacy Officer, said: “Cats Protection would be half the size it is today if it wasn’t for people leaving us gifts in their wills - they are a vital part of our funding and enhance our ability to find homes for unwanted cats, neuter cats to prevent unwanted kittens and provide cat care information to the public.

“If more cat lovers leave us gifts, then we could help countless more cats in the future. There’s also the added incentive that people who leave ten per cent of their estate or more will benefit from a tax point of view.

“Remembering a cause close to your heart isn’t just for the affluent and super rich – any gift, no matter how large or small, would make an incredible difference to the lives of the cats and kittens we care for. Considering that 74p in every pound goes directly towards helping unwanted cats, whatever people can give will go a very long way.”

For further information on remembering Cats Protection in your will, visit www.cats.org.uk/legacy call            01825 741 271       or email giftsinwills@cats.org.uk