Widower pines over giving up 81 cats

A Toronto man whose wife died a month ago says he's heartbroken but has no choice but to adopt out 81 cats his wife brought into their home over the years.

Frank Currell, 66, told the Toronto Star his wife Sonja, who died of a heart attack, couldn't say no to homeless cats and always found ways to pay to have them spayed or neutered.

Since her death, his two sons have been taking time off work and visiting daily to help with the feeding and litter box cleaning. Currell said that's not a sustainable option in the two-story house with a heated garage, as he is recovering from having a lung removed and is undergoing chemotherapy.

We've spent evenings in tears thinking about giving up our mother's pride and joy, son Darrin told the newspaper.

Currell said he plans on keeping just two of the 83 cats, all of which have names and veterinary records.

Saturday, a pet store is holding an adopt-a-thon for the 81 adult cats, the Star said.