As promised a quick update as I have been able to speak to owner again. She was put in touch with Freshfields by local vet and as they were going to get back to her did not ring anyone else (she hasn't heard so far). I have advised her to ring CP South Wirral with a view to placing cats on their website (and will also contact them myself directly now to make it more urgent) and also to ring RECW in Devon just in case Freshfields are unable to help. Him indoors is happy to make the journey if we have to, bless him, not a bad old stick really.....
But I would rather not subject two elderly cats to such a horrendous trek if we don't have to.
In the meantime, we've also had the offer of a spare room on a temporary basis from someone well known to the forum (and who's had a cat from us), should push come to shove, but we would only impose on that offer if it came to the crunch. Thanks, matey!!
Another thing has also materialised, that these cats are used to a dog which gives us a few more options to home I guess and also that Angel bullies Molly mercilessly, so it would not be a bad thing to separate them to give Molly a few more years of peace, hopefully.
Things aren't quite looking as glum as they did this morning, thanks again to all you guys who have tried so hard for the two golden oldies. Let's hope we can find them a couple of loving permanent homes for their twilight years. I will also amend their write up on Catchat to include "used to dogs" and emphasise that they can be separated quite happily. Thank you all for pushing this one!!