HOMES are being sought for cats which were seized from squalid conditions after their owner became ill.

Forty-seven cats were found by RSPCA inspectors called to the two-bedroom terraced house, in Middlesbrough, after their owner was taken ill and forced to leave them.

The animals had been allowed to breed indiscriminately. A number were suffering from cat flu and others had severely ulcerated eyes.

Thirteen were in such bad health they had to be put down.

RSPCA chief inspector Neil Mitchell said: "When we entered the house we were absolutely appalled at the conditions in which these animals were living.

"None of the cats were neutered and the problem had escalated out of control.

"Their owner had taken on more than he could cope with, which ultimately led the cats to suffer."

The RSPCA is appealing for homes for 25 of the cats and nine kittens.

Chief Insp Mitchell said: "These cats desperately need to find loving homes where they will receive the care they deserve.

"This is a very sad situation that could so easily have been prevented if the cats had been neutered."

Anyone interested in adopting a cat is asked to call the RSPCA's Great Atyon centre on (01642) 724016.

The centre is closed to visitors because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.