'Cat man of Aleppo' cares for abandoned felines in Syria

Mohammad has rescued more than 100 cats. Photo / Facebook / Cats of Syria

The cat man of Aleppo aka Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel has rescued more than 100 stray and abandoned cats in warstricken Syria.

Many of the felines are pets that were left behind by their owners when they fled Aleppo.

"Some people just left them with me knowing that I love cats," Aljaleel told the BBC.

Aljaleel was an electrician before war took over his city. Now his time is spent tending to cats and driving an ambulance to attend to people in need.

The cat-lover also runs a sanctuary for his furry friends.

"Any stray cats in Aleppo, or pet cats left behind by residents, we protect them in this little sanctuary," he told the BBC.

"Since everyone left the country, including my own friends, these cats have become my friends here," he said.

"I said I'll stay with them no matter what happens."

"Someone who has mercy in their heart for humans has mercy for every living thing."