They're not quite up there with cute puppies and adorable kittens, but they need a loving home like other domestic pets, according to an animal welfare charity.

The Scottish SPCA has been flooded with scores of ferrets in recent weeks and wants people to consider rehoming one of the furry creatures .

The charity is currently caring for 35 ferrets, five of which are being looked after at the Scottish SPCA's Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Cardonald, and staff are desperate to find them all good, permanent homes.

Many arrived in the charity's care after they were found straying, although it's likely several have been abandoned, as few are ever reclaimed by their owners.

The latest ferrets to be rescued by the charity are Jimmy, who was found on a street in the Lanarkshire area, and Petal, a ten-week-old female who was found by a member of the public weak and hungry in Kelty, Fife.

Scottish SPCA Superintendent Sharon Comrie said: "A ferret might not be the first animal you'd think of when considering a new pet, but in our experience they are fantastic little creatures who can bring a great deal of enjoyment to their owners.

"Some people think ferrets are wild animals but they're not. They're domesticated pets that cannot survive outdoors on their own."

She added: "It's very sad to see so many coming into our care. Whether this is from them escaping from their enclosures or being dumped, we can't say.What we do know is that they all deserve to be in loving homes with people who care for them.

"Ferrets are highly intelligent, sociable and inquisitive creatures with lots of character. They enjoy living in single-sex pairs or groups and they can live for ten years or more.

"Many enjoy being handled and some even like to be taken for short walks on a harness, a bit like a very small dog!

"Most ferret owners will agree that they are very entertaining pets who will play, run around and act daft for hours before curling up on a cosy blanket for a well deserved snooze.

"We have lots of friendly ferrets of various ages and personality types in our care right now. From youngsters who have been raised in our centres and are easy to handle to the more timid or cheeky ferrets who would appeal to experienced owners."

Anyone interested in offering a ferret a home should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.