THE RSPCA are trying to reunite cats with their owners after police seized almost 20 cats from a property in Stretford.

Officers were asked for assistance by the RSPCA on Wednesday (October 4) after they attend a house in Stretford, which was thought to have stolen cats inside.

One resident in Urmston took to social media on October 3 to express concern about a house. The woman said she had put missing posters up around the village for her lost cat Ralph. She was contacted by a man who was working on the house and had spotted her cat inside. After visiting the property, she spotted Ralf along with several other cats.

She said: "It's not fair to take a cat in that is not yours, he's been gone for almost a week but it seems like a lifetime, we are still waiting outside until someone arrives to give him us back."

Almost 20 cats were discovered in the property, a large proportion of which have been seized by officers as evidence and are currently in the care of RSPCA.

The animal charity has released images of 11 of the cats who are not microchipped in the hope to get them back to where they belong.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "The RSPCA is assisting the police in looking after a number of cats removed from an address in Stretford last night.

"The cats were being well cared for and there are no concerns for their welfare but we do believe that some of them may have owners in the South Manchester area and are keen to reunite them.

"If you think that one of these cats belongs to you please get in touch with the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 as soon as possible."

A woman at the property was spoken to by officers and a safeguarding assessment will be made due to some concerns which were observed while officers were in the property.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.