Man, 73, seeks adopters for 118 stray cats

A 73-year-old man who has adopted 118 stray cats is calling for animal lovers to help shelter them, as he believes his health is getting worse and he will not be able to afford their upkeep.

Ni Yuanjiang lives with his wife and 10 cats in Gucheng, Shijingshan district, and has built six shelters in his compound to house the rest.　

"The cats I take care of at home are ill or pregnant," Ni said on Wednesday. Ni constructed the six outdoor shelters, made from wood and tiles.

"Now I'm getting weak as I get older, and I'm really concerned about the future of my cats after I collapse," he said.　

"The cats need a home, where they will never be abandoned again, and they can die in peace," Ni said.

The cats have become a heavy economic burden for Ni, a retired safety supervisor for a local company. From his 3,000 yuan ($471) monthly pension, he spends more than 2,000 yuan for food, medicine, and vet bills.　

Meanwhile, Ni's neighbors continually complain about the unpleasant smell and the noise, and he often has to apologize for the inconvenience.

Lately, a number of elderly animal lovers have appealed for help in Beijing. A 60-year-old woman, a waste collector, raised 70 stray cats and dogs and then sought help this February in Tongzhou district.

Since 2011, animal welfare groups have helped Ni with food and medicines. If anyone can provide a home for one of Ni's feline friends, animal charity icat idog is helping to coordinate offers. The charity can reached at http://weibo.com/207899609.