Asha's brimful of pedigree.

Byline: By Jane Tyler

A MISERABLE, matted moggie found sleeping rough under a car in Birmingham has turned out to be a valuable pedigree cat.

Animal charity staff are now trying to reunite the cat, who they have called Asha, with its owner.

Asha was found sleeping rough under a car in Short Heath last month by the owner of the vehicle and rescued by Cats Protection.

She turned out to be a Black-Tipped British Short Hair, with a value of around pounds 500. Alan Hillier, a welfare officer for Cats Protection, said: "The lady who spotted the cat under her car described it as a 'Persian with a matted rear end'.

"I thought we'd give the cat a chance to find her way home before we took action.

"However, we then received another call, so I went along and the cat jumped happily into a basket.

"She was very hungry."

Anyone who knows Asha's owner can contact the Cat Protection helpline on 0121 377 6302.

CAPTION(S):

PURR TEMP... Linda Thomas is looking after pounds 500 pedigree puss Asha until her owner can be found.