Several months ago, cats living in terrible conditions were reported to Townsville Foster and Rehoming Animals Inc., an animal rescue in Queensland, Australia. After the cat's owner was hospitalized, his neighbors got concerned about the felines of all ages, including seniors, who were left unattended in the house.

Forty-five neglected cats were discovered and rescued from the elderly man's home.

Source: Facebook

The owner of the property and felines had been hospitalized and was in critical condition. There was no one to care for the cats, which he had been fostering for years.

Source: Facebook

Despite his limited budget, the man tried to take care of them as best as he could, putting their needs before his own. While his good intentions were praiseworthy, the resulting situation was catastrophic.

Source: Facebook

The property was extremely dirty, and the pets were so hungry and desperate that they had dug holes in the walls.

Source: Facebook

"Some of them are 14, 15, 16 or 17 years old. So he's had them for a long time or adopted them as adults," explained Angela Atkinson, director of the rescue.

Many of the cats were spayed or neutered. Most of them are in good health, though some have been diagnosed with dental problems and chronic illnesses.

Source: Facebook

All the 45 cats were examined by the vet who accompanied the Townsville Foster and Rehoming Animals team. The felines were also chipped, vaccinated, and dewormed. Their rescue took several hours.

Source: Facebook

"He did his best"

According to ABC News, local law limits the number of cats allowed to live in a property under 4000 square feet to 2. The maximum number is 6 for larger homes.

Source: Facebook

"I know the man did his best and rescuing so many cats is admirable, but there are far too many animals for one person to handle," Angela Atkinson said after the rescue.

Source: Facebook

The man was on life support. Unfortunately, the next day he passed away.

Source: Facebook

Source: pets-dating.com

You might be interested in:

The stray cat who saved her kittens from the cold, now found her happy home

"He's given him a chance at life": Dog led a stranger into the mountains to save an abandoned baby