Around 100 Dead Cats Found in Japanese Woman’s Home

Around 100 dead cats have been discovered at the home of a woman in southwest Japan, raising serious concerns about animal cruelty and neglect.

The woman was reportedly affiliated with an animal welfare organisation but had taken in a large number of cats on her own, without informing the group. Her residence was found in extremely unsanitary conditions, filled with faeces and urine.

The organisation, Animal Assist Senju, confirmed that the woman had acted independently and expressed shock at the situation. In a social media statement, it described the home as "overflowing with faeces and urine" and apologised to the public, adding that one of the cats was found "unrecognisable," with "skin partly peeled off and paws covered in faeces and urine."

Officials from Kumamoto City’s animal protection centre initially estimated the number of dead cats at around 100. However, the actual number may be higher, according to subsequent inspections.

The woman is no longer permitted to care for animals. The organisation stated that its members were deeply disturbed by the incident and that they "can only imagine what agonising pain the cats went through before dying."

City officials and animal rights volunteers first visited the house after receiving reports of a feline death. A full investigation and rescue operation followed. So far, 12 live cats have been recovered from the premises.

It remains unclear whether legal proceedings have been initiated against the woman. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing.