Authorities found more than 200 cats, 46 of them dead, at a Northern California residence May 7, the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.
Sheriff’s deputies and animal care services staff responded to multiple complaints about the home, located at the 1300 block of Sundance Drive in Plumas Lake, a small neighborhood in Yuba County about 30 miles north of Sacramento.
After authorities arrived, they found “cats scattered through the entire house, most of them scared of humans and running away,” the statement said.
The resident told deputies she owned a feral cat rescue. It has not yet been determined whether the woman took the cats in or they were brought by other people.
No further details have been released about the woman’s identity.
The cats are being removed from the residence, according to the statement. Removal efforts of the current count of 160 alive and 46 deceased cats were still ongoing as of May 9.
“It will take days before the house is completely rid of the felines,” authorities said.
Authorities said an investigation has been opened and charges could be filed.
The Yuba County Animal Services is asking for donations to help with medical treatment of the cats. Donations can be made by calling 530-741-6478 or by mail to 5245 Feather River Boulevard, Olivehurst, CA 95961.
