40 cats removed from home of suspected 'hoarder' in Mesa

MESA, AZ - About 40 cats were pulled out of the home of a suspected "hoarder" Tuesday morning in Mesa.

Mesa Animal Control told ABC15 that the cat owner’s daughter called investigators about her mother’s hoarding problem.

In all, officers transported 22 cats and 16 kittens from the home near Stapley Drive and Broadway Road.

The cats are ill and suffering from upper respiratory problems, according to veterinarians.  

Neighbors said that the cats have occasionally wandered into their yard to die.

“We have to keep the windows up in our cars or they’ll get in there,” said neighbor Charlie Brown.

It’s unknown if the woman will face any criminal charges for hoarding the animals.

No one answered the door at her residence.

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control is asking for volunteers to foster the pets.