More than 300 cats were discovered holed up in a North York apartment on Saturday by Toronto’s animal rescue organizations.
According to a Instagram post by the Toronto Cat Rescue (TCR), the organization’s volunteers responded to a call by the city’s animal services to help remove 70 cats out of an apartment Saturday morning. They were completely unprepared for the “overwhelming” sight that would greet them at the front door.
The organization has since posted pictures of a sea of cats crowding every space imaginable in the small apartment. Four or five are pictured crouched in the bathtub and on the toilet seat, while rows of cats sitting on each step of the staircase stare unblinkingly into the camera.
“It was an incredible sight,” said Belinda Vandersluis, TRC executive director. “It was a difficult place to be, with the strong smells, overwhelming number of cats … throughout the day the number just kept increasing as you counted them.” Vandersluis said her organization found out about the situation after receiving a call from the Toronto Animal Services on Friday, whom she says allegedly received a call from complaining neighbours.
She does not know whether the resident will be facing any charges, but maintains that the cats are in fairly good condition. “Some of them are a bit malnourished and dehydrated but no fleas, parasites, dental or medical problems,” she said. Some of the cats were pregnant and imminently due, which will increase numbers.
This is the second large feline hoarding situation discovered by the organization in less than a month, added Vandersluis. More than 140 cats were discovered residing in another home about three weeks ago, some of whom have since given birth to multiple litters. “If you know of a situation where are there more cats living in a home, then please call local authorities,” she warned.
Ontario residents are not legally allowed to house more than six cats, according to city bylaws.
Currently the rescued animals are now housed in foster homes or veterinary clinics, as volunteers prepare them for eventual adoption. “They should be ready quite soon since they’re doing just fine but we’re keeping the cats with litters a little longer until the babies have weaned,” explained Vandersluis.