More than 100 cats removed from filthy Houston home of twin sisters

Houston SPCA video crew members wear breathing masks as they come out of a home on Line Camp with over 100 cats Thursday 03/27/14. SPCA spokesperson Meera Nandlal said there was one dead and decomposing cat in the house and in some parts the feces was over 4 feet high. Photo by Tony Bullard. less Houston SPCA video crew members wear breathing masks as they come out of a home on Line Camp with over 100 cats Thursday 03/27/14. SPCA spokesperson Meera Nandlal said there was one dead and decomposing cat in ... more Photo: © Tony Bullard 2014, Tony Bullard Photo: © Tony Bullard 2014, Tony Bullard Image 1 of / 20 Caption Close More than 100 cats removed from filthy Houston home of twin sisters 1 / 20 Back to Gallery

More than a hundred cats were found Thursday living in filthy conditions that officials describe as a "hoarding situation" in northwest Houston.

Neighbors tipped off authorities, who arrived at around 10:15 a.m. and found what they described as an unbelievable scene.

"It's awful, there is feces literally 3 feet high. We're having to walk in mounds of feces, there's not one square inch of clean area in the house," said Harris County Precinct 1 Constable's Office spokesman J.C. Mosier.

Houston SPCA officials said the smell of ammonia from animal waste was unbearable and officers entered the house in the 7300 block of Line Camp Court wearing masks.

Officials brought out cats of all shapes and sizes that were meowing loudly as they were loaded into vans to be taken to the shelter.

"The cats are emaciated and have nasal and ocular discharge, along with hair loss. One dead decomposing cat has been found," said SPCA spokeswoman Meera Nandlal.

Two 60-year-old twin sisters live in the home and officers said they had to spend hours persuading the women to leave. One is thought to be severely ill with cancer and was taken by ambulance to hospital.

The other watched from a distance, her hands over her mouth as the cats were removed.

Concerns were raised about the women's mental health and authorities fear the situation has been going on for years.

"We're hoping we can get them some official help from the proper government entity and we've been trying to do that," said Mosier. "Frankly, we think they need medical care."

Mosier said the house is not fit to be lived in, at least by normal standards.

Adult protective services were called to the scene.

Constables said no charges will be filed.