A FERAL colony of about 30 cats has been taken on by a Bicester rescue charity after being found extremely unwell and some even fighting for their lives.

The colony of cats and kittens are currently being cared for by two fosterers from Cherwell Cats Protection after being found severely dehydrated, lethargic, full of worms and suffering from cat flu.

One cat, since named Hope, was found in the confidential location collapsed in the long grass.

Another two kittens were found without their mum discarded in a compost heap.

Cherwell Cats Protection fosterer Emily Pettit, who is caring for more than half the mistreated moggies, said: "There are between 25 and 30 cats as far as we know, although most of them are ginger so it's hard to know which ones we have already counted.

"We currently have 10 cats and eight kittens in our care. We have two tiny eight-day-old ginger babies who were found on a compost heap without their mum - now named Gin and Tonic.

"The kittens need feeding every two to three hours every day and night and rely entirely on their fosterer.

"These kittens are very cute and, although so young, are fighting strong and gaining weight."

The charity said as the feral colony had been left to its own devices it has continued to reproduce and unfortunately many of the cats had contracted fleas, worms or various other illnesses.

The hot weather has also left several of the animals severely dehydrated.

Ms Pettit added: "We have been taking them straight to the vets in Bicester where they check their temperatures, give them a quick health check, flea and worm them and some have had to be put on a course of antibiotics.

"Some have also had to be put on drips as they are so dehydrated, which is why it can be so expensive."

The charity has said it was told the cost for each cat's treatment would be between £120 to £250 per animal. As a minimum for 30 cats that would rack up a bill of £3,600.

Cherwell Cats Protection charity has set up a fundraising page to help with the vet bills and has already raised more than £1,600 in just days.

Ms Pettit said: "We are overwhelmed by the support from everyone.

"We cannot take on projects of this size without your help. Thank you to everyone who has already donated to our cause – this should cover the cost of 10 of these poor cats.

"We will make sure they have a happier more comfortable future."

The charity has said it would try to rehome the friendly cats where possible and a smaller group would go back to the site in Banbury neutered.

To donate to the cause go online to justgiving.com/fundraising/cherwell-cats-protection