Authorities in Missouri have rescued 150 cats from a hoarding residence following a welfare check request, now prompting the local animal shelter to seek assistance in accommodating the new arrivals.

The welfare check was requested on August 28 regarding a home located in Wildwood, approximately 30 miles west of St. Louis, as reported by the St. Louis County Police Department.

Upon their arrival, officers were informed by a witness about the extensive number of cats in the dwelling. A search warrant was obtained, allowing them to enter the home where they discovered over 60 cats and two adults living there.

St. Louis County Animal Care & Control personnel were called to assist with the removal of the cats, alongside the St. Louis County Problem Properties Unit.

Carolyn Haydon, who spoke with KSDK, disclosed that her parents and another relative resided in the house. She indicated that one family member had been isolating others for several years.

Haydon expressed her concerns about possible elder and animal abuse, explaining that she had attempted to involve the police for over a year. After her mother passed away, and while the home’s residents were at the funeral, her brother visited their home and documented the poor conditions through photographs to present to the authorities.

Animal shelter requests assistance following large-scale rescue

The Animal Protective Association of Missouri, or the APA, issued a statement online on Wednesday about this significant cat rescue.

Describing the rescue as the “largest hoarding case in our history,” the APA indicated that it was caring for 137 cats from a single hoarding situation. An update released on Friday revealed the number had increased to 150 cats.

“We need your help urgently,” they reached out. “This considerable surge, in addition to the seasonal uptick in kitten intakes, has brought the total number of cats in our care to nearly 500!”

In August alone, the APA took in 1,154 animals, and both of their facilities are currently filled to capacity, with many cats under legal hold and unavailable for release just yet.

Reports also stated that they have rescued kittens as young as two weeks old.

The APA reported that one of their facilities reached maximum capacity with 199 cats in 194 kennels. Consequently, the shelter has had to adapt by repurposing rooms usually designated for dogs to accommodate the newly rescued cats.

Currently, the newly rescued cats are not up for adoption, although other cats at the shelter can be adopted. The APA is waiving adoption fees at both locations this Saturday and Sunday, as mentioned in their recent Facebook update.

Sarah Javier, President and CEO of APA, highlighted that this significant rescue is just another instance of challenges shelters face across the nation.

“We are not only dealing with numbers,” Javier stated. “Each cat represents a life that needs care, medical attention, and ultimately, a caring home. Our situation in St. Louis reflects the struggles shelters nationwide often cope with, frequently with fewer resources and support.”

The APA suggests that community members can assist the newly rescued cats and similar animals by fostering, adopting, or volunteering their time. Donations of items such as XXL and XL crates, food and water bowls, and cardboard flats are also welcomed.

“Your support can significantly impact these cats’ lives,” the shelter expressed online. “Together, we can ensure they receive the love and care they desperately need.”

Saleen Martin is a reporter for YSL News’s NOW team, originally from Norfolk, Virginia. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin