An animal rescue centre has been inundated with cats after a woman living with 46 moggies struggled to care for them.

The pets had been lovingly looked after but Ashen Oleander, supervisor at the RSPCA branch in Hersden, says the owner had become overwhelmed by the arduous task of their upkeep.

"It was a unique case as usually, multi-cat households are due to breeding," she said.

"In this case, they were all neutered and had veterinary care - she was trying to do the best for them, but it was just too much for one person.

"It was one of these situations where people would have a cat that needed looking after and someone would say 'I know a person who can help' and this very kind-hearted lady took them on and eventually became overwhelmed."

The Canterbury team stepped in and took on 16 of the cats, who are aged eight and above, and they have re-homed three so far.

But Ms Oleander says it is difficult to re-house older cats as people usually look for kittens.

"At the last count we had 21 older cats, aged from eight to 18, needing homes," she said.

"We recently had another four that came in after their elderly owner was evicted and there was nowhere for the cats to go.

"They were very loved. One of them, called Tammy, is 18 and a cattery is not the best place for her, even though she’s in really good health."

Another, Boycie, aged 11, has been under the centre’s care for a year as they try to find him a new owner and is currently in a foster home until someone takes him on permanently.

Ms Oldeander says for a companion, there is nothing better than an older feline.

"If you’re looking for a cat who will sit with you in the evenings, an older cat is for you," she said.

"You know what you’re getting personality-wise with them, they are toilet-trained and you get so much back from them.

"They are so grateful to be in home comforts.”

• Anyone interested can call the branch on 01227 719113, email info@rspca-canterbury.org.uk or visit rspca-canterbury.org.uk/home