LEFT to shiver in a cage at the bottom of a garden, Merlin and Zelda had almost been forgotten about.

The Norwegian forest cats had been living in the unheated cage for three months after a marriage split meant their owner no longer wanted to care for them.

Their long coats had become matted and they were only found after someone heard their cries for attention.

But now, two weeks after being saved, the cats have been transformed and are on the lookout for a new owner to love them.

They are among 65 animals who will hoping for the perfect partner at Ashbourne Animal Welfare's Ark shelter on Sunday.

Like a Cilla Black of the animal world, shelter manager Barbara Robson will be playing matchmaker.

She said: "This is all about finding the perfect homes for the dogs and cats at the shelter.

"We have the Valentine's theme because it is that time of year when everybody has love on their mind, including our cats and dogs.

"At the event, people will be able see the animals and fall in love with them."

They come from all over Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Most are unclaimed strays picked up by the authorities.

These animals have either been lost, abandoned, abused, evicted or become surplus to requirements through no fault of their own.

At the moment the shelter, in Wyaston Road, has 45 cats and 20 dogs.

Barbara, who has managed the purpose-built rescue centre since 2001, said: "Some come in quite scared and you don't always know what they've been through or where they've come from.

"But others can be quite bouncy because everything is changing for them.

"A lot of our animals need a bit of time to recover from what they've been through and they need an owner who is understanding.

"At best, they will be a little confused because they have been passed from pillar to post. They need to be given time to settle in."

So if you're looking for some affection this Valentine's Day, Merlin and Zelda could be the ones for you.

"They are the most affectionate and loving cats you could wish to meet and are also very beautiful," said Barbara.

"Their long coats are rather matted but we are working to rectify this. Their new owner will need to groom them on a daily basis."

Also looking for a home are kittens Ben and Freddie. They were close to death when they were found living in a field with their brother and sister.

All of them were suffering from cat flu which would have killed them had they not been found.

Their siblings have already gone to good homes and now the seven-month-old kittens are waiting for their turn.

Described by Barbara as "great little characters", they are very playful and love nothing more than sitting on a warm lap.

Then there is Silas, a Lurcher who is looking for someone to put the wag back in his tail.

"He came to us as a stray and was covered in sores and scratches," said Barbara.

"He is recovering well and will be a lovely companion."

Nine-year-old Monty, a short-legged Collie, went to the shelter as his previous owner was no longer able to care for him.

He is described as an active chap – a keen walker who particularly enjoys a game of football.

Also looking for love is terrier-cross Tamsin, who was taken in as a stray. Since being at the shelter, she has become known for having a very waggy tail. Her past is not known, however she is believed to be about six years old.

And then there's Sonny, a seven-year-old cross-breed, who would like to meet a caring human who will take him home. He ended up at the shelter after his previous owner lost their house.

But despite the trauma of losing his home, Barbara said that Sonny is a "happy little chap who loves to walk and play".

More animals will be looking for love at the open day on Sunday. Anyone who goes along and wants to adopt a cat or dog will need to arrange a home visit.

Barbara said: "We vet the homes of potential owners as carefully as we can.

"We want our residents to go on to homes where they can live forever and be loved for the rest of their lives."

The open day is from 11am to 4pm. Admission is free and homemade food, tea, gifts, books and bric-a-brac will be on sale.

For more details about Ashbourne Animal Welfare visit the charity's website at www.ashbourneanimalwelfare.org.