More than two dozen black cats discovered packed into a bedsit were “breeding uncontrollably”.

Homes are now urgently needed for the 25 animals, currently being cared for by staff at Cats Protection’s adoption centre at Chelwood Gate, near Haywards Heath.

The animals came to the charity’s attention after a relative of an elderly man, who had to leave his home in Haywards Heath because of ill health, got in contact.

The charity was asked to take in several cats but, after arriving at the property, was surprised to discover a total of 25 packed into the small bedsit.

The cats, thought to be aged from four weeks to six years, were all unneutered and had been breeding uncontrollably.

Centre manager Danielle Draper said that although all were in good health, many were very nervous.

She said: “Finding homes for all these cats is going to be a huge challenge and we desperately need to hear from people who may be able to offer one a home.

“None of the cats had been neutered and so, in just a few years, the number of cats in the home had grown enormously.

“Cats are prolific breeders and this case shows how easy it is for things to get out of hand.

“An unneutered female can have up to six litters a year and her kittens will be able to breed when they are four months old, continuing the cycle.

“Despite the cramped conditions they were living in, they are healthy cats, well-fed, with glossy coats and no signs of illness.

“But with so many cats it seems that they were not properly socialised so they are very nervous of people.

“We’re doing a lot of work with them to help bring them out of their shells and we’re hoping that, in time, they will settle in well into new homes.”

“We are bracing ourselves for a challenge – black cats are hard to find homes for anyway, as people often prefer different colours. And a nervous black cat is an even harder prospect to find a new home for.”

Anyone interested in adopting a cat should call the centre on 01825 741 330.