More than 100 cats have been saved from a hoarder house near Toronto, according to a local rescue group.
The Toronto Cat Rescue says 135 cats were rescued from the home outside of the city.
Upon arrival, the group discovered the cats living in overcrowded conditions and in need of serious medical care, such as upper respiratory infections and spray and neutering services, according to a statement Tuesday.
The cats range in age from kittens to adults and will be fully assessed for any outstanding medical and behavioral needs, the rescue group said.
The cats were transferred to Toronto in two groups.The first group consisted of 80 cats, including 11 queens nursing 41 kittens and five advanced pregnant females.
The 55 remaining cats will be transferred to the city within the next couple of weeks. All cats will be placed in temporary foster homes until they are ready for adoption.
“We are grateful to have been able to rescue these cats from such a challenging situation,” Communications Director at Toronto Cat Rescue, Cassandra Koenen, said.
“Our team of volunteers will work tirelessly to ensure that every cat receives the care and attention they need. We’re thankful to be able to give these cats a second chance at a better life,” she added.
“The challenge of situations like these, is that the owner does not recognize that they have too many animals until it’s too late,” Koenen said. “Unsterilized females can have two or three litters a year. If each litter is four or five kittens, the number of cats in the home spirals very quickly out of control.”
For more information on how the community can help support these cats and other animals in need, visit the Toronto Cat Rescue’s website.
