PETS feeling down in the dumps are set to be offered special therapy at a North Yorkshire cattery.

A major extension planned at Catnaps, Monk Fryston, near Selby, could include a "psychiatrist's couch" for depressed animals.

Owner Lynn Ingledew believes the new therapy facility could prove a real tonic for pets with psychological problems.

She said she came up with the idea when she noticed that some of the cats staying at Catnaps were suffering from mental problems, including depression.

Mrs Ingledew, who has run the cattery, in Green lane, off Selby Road, for ten years has just been given planning permission by Selby District Council to start work on the extension.

It will double the number of cats it cares for and includes a grooming parlour for cats and dogs, staff room, and new offices, one of which could be used for animal psychology.

The new services would be run by Mrs Ingledew's daughter, Kathryn, 21, who has completed an animal care course and plans to take an advanced course, enabling her to groom pets to show standard.

Council planning officers advised refusal of the plans, arguing that it was "inappropriate" development in the green belt.

But councillors overturned their recommendation and voted for approval.

Mrs Ingledew said: "We were very well supported by the councillors. The extension is very important for us as the demand for catteries nowadays is enormous.

"People really care for their cats now and we have had to turn away a tremendous number of people because we just didn't have enough space."

She said the new boarding chalets would enable them to care for 84 cats at any one time.

Updated: 11:48 Saturday, January 25, 2003