GUELPH, ONT. -- The Guelph Humane Society says it has taken in 80 cats that were found in a home in the southwestern Ontario city.

The organization's executive director says they were called in by the owner, who sought support in caring for the animals.

Adrienne McBride says it's not clear how the owner came to have so many cats, but since the animals don't appear to be spayed or neutered, it's likely breeding played a role.

She says the humane society is checking the cats' health, looking for fleas and worms and viruses, and will be treating them as needed.

Those in good health will be spayed or neutered and then put up for adoption, while the others will be treated and go into foster homes.

McBride says caring for the cats will cost at least $20,000.

She says the province's animal welfare hotline has also been notified.