YORKTOWN – The SPCA of Westchester has rescued 16 neglected cats from a private residence in Yorktown.

The Humane Law Enforcement hotline received an anonymous tip that the owners were hospitalized and the cats were not being taken care of. Agents of the SPCA along with Yorktown Animal Control entered the residence Thursday night and were confronted by extreme filth.

Garbage and waste were strewn all over the house, rugs and furniture were stained with urine, and feces were piled in virtually every room, SPCA officials said.

The walls and ceiling were crumbling in many rooms and the odor was so overwhelming that the house was unfit for occupation by human or animal, officials said.

Sixteen cats were seized, many of which were living inside the walls and ceiling. The animals were taken to the SPCA in Briarcliff Manor and are being treated for ear and skin infections. Once the investigation has been concluded, the animals will be made available for adoption.