Dozens of pedigree cats have had to be taken in by an animal charity after their owners became a victim of the credit crunch.

The Celia Hammond Animal Trust is caring for 52 Persian and Chinchilla cats that lost their home when their owner was evicted.

The owners contacted the charity when they were evicted from their home in Hastings and asked staff to take them.

When the charity workers arrived the pets were all inside the house, with no access to the outside.

Most of the pedigree long-haired cats were suffering with matted coats and were very nervous.

Sanctuary manager Sarah Lefvre said: “With the credit crunch the owners could not cope with the cats. They were not bad people but it had got on top of them.

“I think it has been very traumatic for them.”

The charity, which relies solely on donations, has spent nearly £8,000 on medical treatment for the pets, including neutering, microchipping and vital dental treatment.

Miss Lefvre said: “It has been a very costly procedure. The cats that would not be groomed had to have veterinary intervention and were put under anaesthetic.

“Some of the cats had to be shaved.

“Persian cats look a bit regal but they did not look quite so regal after they were shaved.”

The charity said that the plight of the Persians could not have come at a worse time as it is already full to capacity with stray and unwanted cats.

Staff are blaming the recession for their worst year in memory with low rehoming figures and an unprecedented level of calls for help.

Miss Lefvre said: “We are choc-a-bloc and we are having to say no to anyone else.

“But we could not walk away from this emergency as they had already asked other charities.”

The animal trust is appealing to Argus readers who can take in some of the cats.

Miss Lefvre added: “We are looking to home them but it is difficult because they are long coated and some are quite shy. We also want to home them in pairs.

“We do not have any kittens but they are all beautiful and all of them will need lots of tender loving care.”

The sanctuary can only give the cats to homes in East Sussex.

For more details on how to adopt the cats call the charity on 01424 882198.