Briarcliff SPCA Helps Treat 19 Cats in Woman's Home

After receiving complaints about bad odors coming an elderly White Plains woman's home, the Briarcliff Manor-based SPCA of Westchester and White Plains Police Department worked together to "assess the situation," according to a press release.

The White Plains Police Department reached out to the SPCA's director of humane law enforcement, Ernest Lungaro, earlier this month, according to the statement, to investigate reports of the woman housing up to 19 cats.

"The SPCA of Westchester is grateful to the White Plains Police Department for alerting us to this situation," said Lungaro. "In addition to calling us, they reached out to Westchester County Adult Services and the White Plains Building Department since it appeared that the woman might be having problems with removing trash from the residence as well as cleaning up after the cats."

SPCA veterinarian Megan Caulfield, DVM, assisted with examining and providing antibiotics and vaccinations to the 19 cats.

"Nearly all of the cats were 10 years-old or older," said Dr. Caulfield. "They had upper respiratory infections.  Moving senior cats from the house would cause additional stress and probably more illness. We wanted to find a way to leave them with their caretaker, but make certain that they received veterinary attention."

Eleven of the male cats had been previously neutered, according to the SPCA.

"I’m pleased that we could offer these services to the resident," Lungaro added. "And besides helping to curb unwanted litters, neutering male cats can reduce spraying and odor. We will follow up with the situation as will the other agencies involved."