Dozens of cats were rescued from a studio apartment by Humane Society law enforcement in San Diego, authorities announced Monday.

On Aug. 6, a concerned person within the community reported that multiple cats and a strong odor was coming from a unit in the 1400 block of Imperial Avenue. It was later determined that the owner, an elderly woman, who was hospitalized, could no longer care for the pets, according to the San Diego Humane Society.

Officials said law enforcement worked with building management and the tenant's family to enter the unit and rescue 40 pets safely.

The cats were rescued over the course of several weeks due to conditions in the unit and the animals hiding. Fifteen cats were rescued on Sept. 17, 11 on Sept. 24 and 14 on Oct. 1.

Each animal has received vaccines and

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