Suffolk SPCA says more than 80 cats found inside West Islip home

The Suffolk County SPCA on Tuesday discovered more than 80 cats living in the "deplorable" conditions of a West Islip home.

Acting on an anonymous Tuesday morning call regarding the improper care of multiple cats, SPCA officials arrived at the home on Patricia Avenue, where an occupant who bred Maine Coon cats for sale invited them inside, SPCA Lt. Ray Alvarez told Newsday in a telephone interview late Tuesday. The agency will investigate whether they were licensed to breed the animals.

Up to 80 Maine Coons were spotted throughout the home, as well as an RV and an ancillary structure on the property, Alvarez said.

"The conditions inside were deplorable, to say the least," he added. "Feces, urine, the odor was almost unbearable."

A Town of Islip fire marshal at the scene declared the house condemned, according to Alvarez.

The felines will be sent to various animal shelters for evaluation and eventual adoption, he said. While the conditions and injuries varied, Alvarez said he noticed animals with "matted hair, some open sores, maybe some flees, ear mites."

Alvarez said he intended to file animal neglect charges against the occupant and would identify the person at that time,