FOR many there might be a clear limit on the number of cats that should live in one house.

But at a Keysborough retirement home, all occupants are of the feline kind.

The 10 elderly residents of the Homeleigh Cat Retirement Village spend their days taking leisurely catnaps, embarking on routine prowls and feasting on the best quality cat biscuits money can buy.

Opened in 1993, the Homeleigh Village is a sanctuary for cats whose owners have died or could no longer look after them.

Village supervisor Elizabeth Johns said the cats were well looked after, wandered about freely and enjoyed regular pats from visiting volunteers.

"They are vetted, fed and live at the home for their entire life. Staff visit twice daily and keep the home spotless," she said.

Ms Johns became aware of the village 12 years ago when she was looking into options for securing the welfare of her two cats if something happened to her.

"I went to check the place out, liked what I saw and have been returning to the home ever since," she said.

With a fully enclosed outdoor garden, sitting room, comfortable lounge chairs, baskets, floor rugs, toys and heaters, it is one of the only facilities of its kind in Australia.

Ms Johns said staff often received interstate calls from people concerned about the welfare of their cats. One couple who had already placed their names on the list are from Western Australia.

"It is always important to plan. If you leave an animal on its own with no one to love and care for it the cat will fret, become disoriented or go wild," she said.

To become a resident, cats need to be at least eight years of age and not have feline AIDS or leukaemia. All costs for the life-time care of the cat are covered for a fee of $6000 to be donated or bequested to the retirement village.

Details: Keysborough Animal Shelter, 9798 8415.