SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Forty cats were rescued by authorities after they were discovered in a studio apartment in San Diego.
The cats were discovered when a community member reported multiple cats and a strong odor coming from an apartment on Aug. 6.
According to the San Diego Humane Society (SDHS), the cats’ elderly owner had been hospitalized and was no longer able to care for them.
The organization’s law enforcement team worked with building management and the tenant’s family to enter the apartment before the cats were safely surrendered to authorities.
SDHS said the cats were rescued over the course of several weeks.
Forty cats were rescued by authorities after they were discovered in a studio apartment in San Diego. (San Diego Humane Society) 
Forty cats were rescued by authorities after they were discovered in a studio apartment in San Diego. (San Diego Humane Society) 
Forty cats were rescued by authorities after they were discovered in a studio apartment in San Diego. (San Diego Humane Society) 
Forty cats were rescued by authorities after they were discovered in a studio apartment in San Diego. (San Diego Humane Society) 
Forty cats were rescued by authorities after they were discovered in a studio apartment in San Diego. (San Diego Humane Society)
Fifteen cats were rescued on Sept. 17, followed by 11 cats on Sept. 24, and the remaining 14 cats on Oct. 1.
Several of the cats are being treated for upper respiratory infections, SDHS said. As of Monday, 16 cats have been adopted and 8 are still in need of new homes.
The humane society reminds people who may feel overwhelmed caring for their pets to reach out for help.