59 cats removed from Crescent couple’s home

(Update: 59th cat arrived Tuesday)

The Humane Society of Central Oregon removed 59 cats Monday from a home in Crescent whose owners called for help after receiving an eviction notice from their home.

On Friday, the cats owner contacted Bend Spay and Neuter Project, saying he and his mother were eing evicted from their home on Tuesday and they desperately needed help, so the Bend shelter stepped in, said HSCO Community Outreach Manager Lynne Ouchida. Four HSCO staff and a Bend Spay and Neuter volunteer quick;y gathered the felines, with the owner’s help, she said.

Some of the cats were underweight, and all had ear mites and fleas, Ouchida said. But shelter workers said all of the cats, including a few kittens, are very friendly. The last cat arrived at the shelter Tuesday, for a total of 59 cats,

The cats were relinquished voluntarily, so law enforcement was not involved, she added.

“Surprisingly, the owners knew approximately how many they had,” Ouchida said. “But when we walked in, it was pretty typical of a hoarding situation – pretty deplorable conditions. I don’t know how people can live in those kinds of conditions.”

Some will be ready for adoption by the end of the week, Ouchida said.

Ouchida said people can help the Humane Society by donating to help cover costs the of medical treatments, diagnostic tests, extensive dental procedures (fractured teeth, gum disease, extractions and cleaning) and surgeries (entropion eye surgery and potentially fractured legs), as well as dental care.

“This case is a perfect example of what happens when one does not spay and neuter their animals and acquires more animals than they can properly care for, said HSCO Operations Director Karen Burns. “Companion animals have social and basic care needs that must be met. If you or someone you know needs assistance, obtain the help so that the animals do not suffer.”