200 cats saved by Toronto non-profit from ‘hoarding situation’ inside home

A non-profit animal rescue team in Toronto says 200 cats “in need of immediate medical attention” were saved from a hoarding situation inside a home.

Toronto Cat Rescue says the cats were found living in overcrowded conditions, with many suffering from respiratory infections.

Cassandra Koenen, Communications Director at Toronto Cat Rescue, tells CityNews the cats were located in a home a couple of hours outside of the city. A group of 80 cats are being transferred to the rescue team in Toronto, including 11 mothers nursing 41 kittens and five advanced pregnant females, set to arrive on Tuesday.

“Our rescue partner who approached us to intake these cats and kittens was involved in the direct seizure,” she said. “There were 200 cats in total, and approximately 50 cats will be going to another rescue outside the city.”

Toronto Cat Rescue responding to over 135 cats needing rescue from a hoarding situation (CNW Group/Toronto Cat Rescue)

The remaining 55 cats will be transferred to Toronto within the next couple of weeks. The non-profit says the 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,” said Koenen.

“Our team of volunteers will work tirelessly to ensure 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.”

Toronto Cat Rescue says the felines range in age from kittens to adults and will be thoroughly assessed once in the team’s care for “medical and behavioural needs.”