A cat owner had to have over a hundred moggies taken off them after they left overwhelmed by having so many.
They had only started with six cats but due to many of them not being neutered, they quickly bred at an unsustainable rate.
Rescuers took charge of 107 cats over 11 months.
Four died and 12 were left at the property following treatment.
The RSPCA was first alerted in May last year when 13 cats were signed over into their care, followed by another 12 in November, and a whopping 82 in April.
Officers also worked with the owner in Tyne and Wear to ensure that another 12 cats were neutered and well cared for, helping to make sure that the conditions for the cats were vastly improved, as reported by Need To Know.
A spokesperson for the animal charity said: “The RSPCA has rescued over 100 cats from a single property in Tyne and Wear after the owner became overwhelmed with the vast number of cats to care for and turned to the animal welfare charity for help.”
Heather Wade, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer, said: “This story is a real testament to our work which sometimes goes under the radar.
“Working alongside owners to offer them support and guidance when they have got into a situation, with the best of intentions, but which has sadly become out of control.
“The owner started with just six cats which soon became over 100 which shows just how important it is to ensure that owners are neutering their cats to avoid unplanned pregnancies.
“We’d recommend that cats are neutered from four months old which may surprise a few people who still see them as kittens themselves at that age but the reality is that they are able to get pregnant as early as this.”
Two branches in the North East, the RSPCA Newcastle and North Northumberland Branch and the RSPCA Sunderland, Hartlepool and South Tyneside Branch, contributed towards the cost of the cats care including neutering and dental surgeries where needed.
Many of the rescued felines were then taken to the RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre in Chester Le Street for boarding, care and attention.
An RSPCA spokesperson added: “Sadly, four of the cats didn’t make it as they were quite poorly but thankfully, the rest of them are in good health.
“Most of them have now gone off to their forever homes but two six month old cats, named Sherlock and Watson, are still patiently waiting after 121 days in RSPCA care.
“Sherlock is a black and white domestic shorthair and Watson is a black domestic shorthair.
“The pair have thrived since moving to foster care, gaining confidence so that their true personalities have emerged.
“They are active, engaging young cats who are incredibly playful, enjoying games and interacting with their surroundings.
“Their bond is evident and lovely to watch which means they need to be rehomed together.
“They are looking for a patient owner who understands they will need time to continue to grow.
“They would also appreciate a quieter environment initially to help them feel safe and settle in at their own pace.
“They’d be best suited to homes with older children, such as secondary school age or older, and no other pets.”
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