Eighty cats found at dead woman's home

BLANCO COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - Her neighbors called Glinnie Berry the "cat lady" and when authorities showed up at her house, they found out why. Inside, Blanco County deputies discovered the body of Berry, who had died of natural causes, and 80 cats roaming around her home.

"We had been notified of the situation months before," said Angela Grimes with Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, located in Kendalia. "But, she didn't want any help, so we couldn't do anything."

However, Grimes said when authorities discovered Berry's body last Wednesday, they called her to come in and help with a cat population that was out of control.

"She really did care about these animals," said Grimes. "She spent a lot of money feeding them."

However, Grimes said none of the cats had been spayed or neutered and there were kitten litters everywhere.

“They just seemed to come from everywhere, out of the bushes," she said. "Out of the house just swarming us.”

Crews were surprised to find most of the cats completely healthy. 17 kittens are now at a clinic recovering.

“There was a lot of eye infections, some respiratory infections. There were some fractured legs”

Neighbors said the stench from Berry's property travels to the road, making it difficult to pass by.

Charlie Ewing said, “(It's) like a very strong animal feces smell.”

Grimes said most of the cats actually lived inside the house with Berry.

“These were her only companions, and they were her friends. She really cared about them.”

The cats are still on the property as Grimes and her team work to fix them and get them vaccinations. She is hoping members of the community will come forward to adopt them and shelters will be willing to take some in.

"Many of them would make great house cats," said Grimes. "They are not a feral cat colony, although some would be better barn cats. I probably won’t be taking any home. I have quite a full house right now, although many have touched my heart. It’s going to be hard not to take them all home with me.”

Grimes said there is a mixture of breeds including Egyptian, Calico, Tabby and Tuxedos.

If you are not able to adopt, Grimes is asking for donations. The cost of fixing, vaccinating and giving medical check-ups is $75 for each cat.

Those who want to help foster or adopt these cats can contact (830) 336-2725, extension 311 or email them at angelag@wildlife-rescue.org.