An appeal for caring homes has gone out for 51 cats rescued recently by Cats Protection from a one bedroom flat in Derbyshire.

The charity desperately needs to find loving homes for the large number of felines that were found neglected, in ill health and living in extremely cramped conditions at the property.

“We were called to the flat after the owner said he couldn’t cope with the number of cats he had anymore,” explained Jane Baynton, spokesperson for Cats Protection’s Derby Branch. “Initially we had been told there were between 25-30 cats living there, but when we got to the flat we actually found 51. The smell was horrendous and the cats were just everywhere.”

Cats Protection had to act quickly to find temporary places for so many felines and also give them the treatment they needed.

“We frantically phoned around the CP network in this region to warn everyone that we were going to need their help,” explained Jane. “Sadly, two of the cats had to be put down while one kitten had to have an eye removed as a result of the neglect.”

Thirty of the cats are presently in the care of CP’s Derby adoption centre, while the rest are with the charity’s Derby Branch and also at The Ark at Ashbourne, an independent charity.  

All the cats have been given a clean bill of health and are ready for a new lease of life with caring owners. Helen Wood, Manager at the adoption centre, said: “The cats have made wonderful progress and are absolutely delightful. What they need now are loving homes with understanding owners who will be able to give them the care they deserve.”

Anyone interested in offering a home to any of the Derby cats can contact Cats Protection’s Helpline on 08702 099 099 or email helpline@cats.org.uk

Each year, CP rehomes up to 60,000 cats - this latest operation really demonstrates the hard work the UK’s leading feline welfare charity does.