Carson City Animal Services is in the process of trapping dozens of cats found Thursday abandoned in a Ladera Drive home.
The cats that animal control officers have been able to retrieve so far are being treated, fed and assessed for health concerns through an intake process, said Taylor Radtke, public information officer for Carson City Health and Human Services.
Dozens of cats were found at the residence after the Carson City Sheriff's Office did a welfare check on the home. Deputies did not know if there was anyone inside. A neighbor called the sheriff's office concerned about the whereabouts of the male occupant who had not been seen in weeks.
Officers opened up the home to check for anyone inside and discovered dozens of hungry, malnourished cats. Some cats were found dead both inside and outside the home. Officers learned from a neighbor that the family of the man who occupied the home removed him for mental health concerns.
Right now Carson City health officials and Animal Services are trying to determine how many of the cats were living inside.
Carson City Animal Services had been contacted by the family of the man who had previously occupied the home regarding feral cats in the area. Animal Services were not aware of the number of cats that were owned by the resident and resided inside of the home.
Carson City Animal Services does not, at this time, have a feral cat program and referred the caller to another agency such as SPCA that may have the resources to help, said Radtke.
A neighbor told authorities she called Animal Services after a cat was discovered dead in the street. Animal Services responded and disposed of the cat.
Animal Services does not trap feral cats and does not have a spay or neuter program and commonly refers people to agencies that can assist with such services, Radtke said.