Seven young cats, seemingly abandoned by their owner, are in need of rehoming.

Newham Recorder: The cats are all quite young (photo: Arnaud Stephenson)The cats are all quite young (photo: Arnaud Stephenson) (Image: Archant)

The forgotten felines were discovered at a flat in St John’s Road, East Ham, earlier this month by animal-lover Michelle Fitzgibbons.

Left with no forwarding address for the tenants, the marketing manager for East Ham Market Hall – owners of the property – has been feeding them daily ever since.

She said the RSPCA would not rehome the animals because they were being cared for, despite living in a shed next door while the flat is redecorated. Keeping them in cat food and treats is costing Michelle up to £30 a week.

“The poor little things have literally just been abandoned,” she said. “It’s so sad. We can’t just leave them to fend for themselves, it’s wet and it’s cold outside, we need to show them some love.

Newham Recorder: The seven were found in a property owned by East Ham Market Hall (photo: Arnaud Stephenson)The seven were found in a property owned by East Ham Market Hall (photo: Arnaud Stephenson) (Image: Archant)

“I phoned the RSPCA, but because I’m feeding them, as far as they’re concerned the cats are being looked after – even though they aren’t my cats.

“I’m an animal-lover so I would never stop feeding them in a million years.”

Out of the seven, three are described as tabby, one is a tortoise-shell another two are black and white and one is all black.

They are all young, but none are kittens. It is unclear if they are related.

Newham Recorder: Feeding the cats is costing Michelle up to �30 a week (photo: Arnaud Stephenson)Feeding the cats is costing Michelle up to �30 a week (photo: Arnaud Stephenson) (Image: Archant)

They are said to be “sweet” and “friendly” in nature, although two are more shy than the others.

Michelle said they “loved a fuss” and would “make a lovely family pet”, she added: “We need to find them a home really, if anyone can help we would be really grateful.”

The RSPCA have not yet responded to our request for a comment.

If you are interested in rehoming any of the cats, please contact Michelle on 01708 740492.