Rickey said their owner tried to care for them, but her pet population had spiraled out of control after her initial pair of cats began breeding. She ended up with 39 and is getting to keep the original two - after they are spayed and neutered.
The woman gave up the other cats voluntarily and hasn't been charged with any crime. Her name wasn't released.
Rickey says it will likely be several weeks before the cats are ready for adoption. They will be taken to various shelters first.
Officials are calling the woman an overwhelmed caregiver, and they urge anyone in that situation to contact the ASPCA. They say it is unlikely any charges will be filed in incidents such as this, as long as the animals are not abused in any way.
CLICK HERE to visit the ASPCA Web site and find out how you can contact them.
The cats will be taken to the following shelters, where they will eventually be available for adoption:
For more information, contact the shelter or call the Mayor's Alliance at 212-252-2350.
