More Than 50 Cats Found In Foreclosed Home

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - More than 50 cats were rescued by Larimer Humane Society's Animal Protection & Control officers over the course of the last week from a hoarding situation.

The Larimer County Sherriff's Office called the Humane Society to a house under foreclosure in the 300 block of east Swallow Drive in central Fort Collins. Initial reports were that a few cats were left behind. Upon further investigation Animal Protection & Control officers found more than 50 cats and kittens living in the home.

The cats and kittens were rescued from deplorable living conditions and were found in varying degrees of health.

"It is our policy, as an open door shelter, never to turn an animal away," Executive Director Judy Calhoun said in a statement. "At times like this, with the hoarding situation in Fort Collins, we feel the strain both financially and emotionally. It's tough to see so many wonderful cats and kittens in need of compassionate homes. Now more than ever we need the community's support to find placement for these fabulous felines."

Before the yard full of trash, before the foreclosure and eviction, neighbors say they'd been complaining to the city and the homeowners for several years about trash and the condition of the yard.

"You don't understand how someone can live in those conditions, especially with two young children," neighbor Lance Morse said.

Code compliance inspector Eric Keselburg says when he responded to complaints there in the past he only saw three cats outside, and that's what the Humane Society expected to find.

"We went into an empty bedroom and we found 31 additional cats, and over the course of the week we've found upwards of 20 more. Cats are living in every area of the home, including the rafters of the house," Marcie Wilms with the Larimer Humane Society said.

The cats are currently undergoing evaluations to determine if they are suitable for adoption. Cats that are immediately healthy and treatable will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped and placed up for adoption in the coming weeks.

Additional Resources

Those interested in adopting a cat are encouraged to visit the Larimer Humane Society's website to view pictures and bio information on the cats currently available for adoption.