Almost 100 black cats found at abandoned Dartford house

After receiving a call that suggested around 20 cats had been left by a prior tenant, volunteers from Safe Haven Rescue UK were astounded to find significantly more felines at the house on May 29.

The cats, now at the Safe Haven facilities near Sevenoaks, include six pregnant mothers, one of whom has already birthed four healthy kittens since being rescued.

There are also 24 kittens under six weeks old at the centre.

A total of 52 cats have been rescued and taken in by the charity so far.

Despite the substantial number of cats already rescued, the volunteers estimate that there are still around 40 more that need catching.

These cats can only be moved once there is adequate space available at the rescue centre.

The rescue operation has taken up considerable resources, including food and treatment for the felines.

A Siamese mother cat, distinct among the majority black cats, successfully gave birth to four kittens on Tuesday.

The charity is now asking for help from other organisations with available spaces and is appealing to interested fosterers and potential adopters.

People willing to foster can contact the organisation via email at info@safehavenanimalrescue.co.uk.

Anyone interested in adopting kittens or adult cats can also reach out for an application form.

You can also donate here.

Sign found at the house (Image: Safe Haven Rescue UK)

Safe Haven Animal Rescue UK wrote in a statement on Facebook: “What a day!

“So earlier today we were contacted by someone who had recently taken back a property which was left with some cats and a note to contact a rescue.

“We were originally informed that there were around 20 cats including kittens so after many other rescues not being able to help, we agreed.

“However once we turned up we realised the problem was much bigger.

“52 cats/kittens had already been trapped which were waiting for us to take them and there is still around 30+ waiting to be caught.

“Out of the 52 we have so far, we have around 6 mums, 24 kittens under 6 weeks, 6 pregnant females and the remaining under 2 years old.

“To make things more challenging, the majority of the cats are black which we already have black cats struggling to find homes.

“We are putting a plea out to **OTHER RESCUES ONLY** Currently to help out and help us place the remaining cats.

“We also desperately need ALL cat food and cat litter.

“If anyone has any sheds or catios they would like to donate then this would be extremely appreciated.

"Donations can also be dropped to Safe Haven Animal Rescue, Shelley's Lane, Knockholt and left in the black donation box.

"We desperately need everyone's help possible for this massive rescue!"