CATS are able to get a paw on the property ladder for the first time after a new pop-up estate agent opened.

Pet charity Blue Cross has set up the unique venture in London.

All the properties for sale at the estate agent are built exclusively with feline occupants in mind – from Georgian manors to quaint cottages, all are constructed from cardboard.

The charity also wants to raise awareness of the hundreds of homeless and unwanted cats currently in its care all needing a real home to call their own.

Ryan Neile, head of animal behaviour at Blue Cross said: “Cats are very inquisitive and love to explore new things, so most won’t hesitate to jump inside a cardboard box. Owners often provide cardboard boxes for kittens to climb and play on and jump in and these early experiences create an affection for boxes in later life.

“Cats also love to hide and feel safe and secure, they will often seek out dark nooks and crannies with high sides.”

The cardboard box ‘architects’ include journalists and bloggers, designers, retailers, 3D design university students and even school children. The box homes, including a tropical tepee, thatched cottage and palatial Taj Mahal, are all up for sale via a silent auction ballot in the pop-up estate agent, with proceeds going to help the thousands of homeless, unwanted, sick and injured pets Blue Cross cares for each year.