23 cats removed from Centereach home

The Suffolk County SPCA removed 23 cats and kittens from a Centereach home Wednesday because of neglect, the animal protection group said.

Chief Roy Gross said he did not anticipate charges against the family, which had been trying to take care of the animals.

"They were just overwhelmed," said Gross, who did not release the family's name. "They were not intentionally trying to do harm, but they just got in over their heads.

"The animals were being improperly cared for . . . they just had way too many animals."

Gross said his office acted on a tip and found a cat nursing five kittens, a pregnant female and two kittens needing emergency eye surgery among the 23 animals.

Gross said several other kittens had upper-respiratory infections.

All the afflicted animals were being treated by a veterinarian. Gross was unable to provide updated information on their conditions Thursday afternoon.

Gross said his office is trying to find homes for the cats, many of them young. The agency also is seeking donations for care of the animals until they can be adopted.

Those interested in adoption or donations can call the Suffolk SPCA, 631-382-7722, or visit suffolkcountyspca.org.

Donations can be sent to the agency at 363 Rte. 111, Smithtown, NY 11787.