30 Cats Found Living In Squalor In 'Unoccupied' Howell Home: SPCA

HOWELL, NJ - Authorities discovered 30 cats living in “deplorable conditions” in an unoccupied Howell home as part of an investigation into a woman who left 20 more felines at the Monmouth County SPCA’s Eatontown facility last month.

On Sept. 19, Amanda Abrahamowicz, 28, pulled up to the facility in a black Mazda CX-7 with the cats, all of which were male. The felines were left in a crate without food and water, with a note detailing that the cats’ caretaker died.

Authorities traced the identity of the woman earlier this month to an unoccupied Howell home in the Surrey Downs age-restricted community, where dozens more cats were found. The home belonged to the woman’s mother, who reportedly passed away in 2019, according to Ross Licitra, the executive director of the Monmouth SPCA. Read more: Here's Why The Monmouth County SPCA Is Looking For This Woman

According to a post from the SPCA’s website announcing the new development, the 30 cats were found living in such “unimaginable” conditions that animal control officers had to wear protective gear to recover the animals.

“Every floor, counter, piece of furniture etc. was covered in urine + feces; the food was left for them on the floor in ripped bags and the water bowls were filthy,” the SPCA wrote.

It was also revealed that the woman who dropped off the cats at the Wall Street facility previously solicited help from the organization for two large dogs in 2019. The nonprofit took the dogs in for no fee, according to the post.

Licitra told Patch Tuesday afternoon that, while initial reports pointed to a pet breeding business, it's suspected that Abrahamowicz and her mother were hoarding the pets.

“They were just cat hoarders. That's what they were," the executive director said.

All 50 animals have since received medical care, baths, fresh water and proper nourishment. Charges are under review as part of an ongoing investigation with the Monmouth County Prosecutors SPCA Law Enforcement Division.

“Like the first 20, they are all scared and confused and will take time and patience to adjust,” the SPCA continued.

The Monmouth County SPCA typically charges a $250 surrender fee per cat or dog. Licitra told Patch last month that fee pays for the animal's care for "about 20 days". After that, the agency has to survive off donations to keep the animal fed and cared for.

The Monmouth County SPCA takes in about 5,000 unwanted pets per year, and 94 percent of them are "saved," meaning they are not killed.

The cats will be all of who will be spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, according to the organization. Licitra reports that none of the animals were sick or euthanized, despite living in "really, really bad conditions."

The nonprofit asks for donations or a purchase from this Amazon wishlist to benefit the felines.

“Only 5 of the original 20 have been adopted so please consider making a donation to help care for these cats as we work tirelessly to get all 45 of them into loving homes," the post reads.

To access cats available for adoption on the Monmouth County SPCA website, click here.

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