Elderly man found living with 40 cats and kittens

An elderly man found living with more than 40 cats and kittens has prompted an appeal for pet foster carers.

Eden Animal Rescue, based in Temple Sowerby, had to rescue the animals after their owner, an 83-year-old man, became overwhelmed "trying his best to care for them all" in one house.

Sarah Bean from the animal charity said despite there being "cats everywhere, coming from inside, outside and on the yard" - "it was clear the owner loved them all, with them having full bellies".

She said it had been one of the team's biggest rescues, who now have the cats and kittens in volunteer and staff homes, but needed help rehoming them and donations of cat food, litter and towels.

"These are friendly cats that the gentleman has loved and cared for... it's just that it had got overwhelming for him and it's spiralled," Bean said.

"I can't stress enough how much he loves these cats and he's done a fantastic job with them," she told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"But, wherever there is a large number of cats, there is always going to be medical issues going on," Bean said.

She said it was "essential people neuter their cats" because females can start reproducing as early as five months old.

The charity said some of the cats were poorly and there was a bout of fleas and cat flu among the litters.

"We need some help," Bean said.

Her team has asked for donations of litter, cat food, towels, and help towards vet bills.

"Anyone who can make a foster application would be amazing," she added.

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram and listen to Radio Cumbria on BBC Sounds.