Lewisham cat lovers are being asked to open their homes to adopt some new kittens after a huge rescue operation left a charity “completely full.”

A rescue team from Celia Hammond Animal Trust in Lewisham recovered 45 cats from an elderly woman’s house in Islington on April 2.

According to the charity, the 87-year-old owner had been served with a court order for eviction from her council house, where she was keeping up to 60 cats.

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Just two years ago, more than 70 cats were seized from the woman’s house by the council – but they were deemed “unhomeable” and had to be put down.

After a call from the owner’s son, Celia Hammond’s Lewisham team went to the house to rescue the un-neutered cats, some of which were “shut indoors” to prevent more breeding.

Speaking to News Shopper, rehoming co-ordinator Naomi Sheen said: “A few [of the cats] are a little bit thin.

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“We have got a few with abscesses from males fighting and the females have been bitten on the neck from where they have come into season and males have tried to mate.”

However, the charity has said most of the cats are in “relatively good health.”

A Celia Hammond statement posted on Facebook said: “Taking in 45 cats has put our Lewisham branch under strain and is particularly bad timing as we are just heading into this year’s kitten season.”

The charity is "urgently" calling on Lewisham residents to adopt some of the cats, which range in age from kittens to young adults.

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It has emphasised they must be adopted in pairs, after growing up among a large group.

“Some of the cats are a little shy but most are friendly and we are hopeful that the shier cats will soon gain in confidence,” the charity said.

The Lewisham branch of Celia Hammond has also asked for donations while its team funds the veterinary care, as well as bedding, food and toys.

Anyone who wants to enquire about adopting a pair of cats can email lewisham@celiahammond.org or call 0208 694 6545.

Donations can be dropped into the charity’s Lewisham branch at 233-235, Lewisham Way, SE4 1UY.