69-year-old man found dead, 40 cats rescued from Ligonier Township home

A 69-year-old man was found dead and about 40 cats were rescued from a home in Ligonier Township.

The man, who was not identified, was found dead after police were asked to do a welfare check Monday evening, according to Coroner Tim Carson. The death is not considered suspicious.

Jen Johnson, president of Ninth Life Rescue Center, said cats are still being trapped outside after they escaped when police got into the home Monday evening for a welfare check. The animals didn’t have food or water and many, including 10 kittens, have medical issues such as vestibular disease and infections.

The conditions made it difficult for Ninth Life volunteers, who were assisted by All But Furgotten, to capture the cats.

“It was a battle to find them all,” Johnson said. “They’re going to be very costly … and this is just the beginning of courting season and kitten season.”

Some cats were found dead, she said.

Ligonier Valley police could not immediately be reached. Authorities contended with dozens of empty boxes of beer, empty cat food bags and other trash strewn throughout the home, according to photos posted on social media by Ninth Life.

The rescue center is seeking donations to help care for the cats. Monetary donations are accepted through PayPal at ninthliferescue@outlook.com, Venmo @NinthLife-RescueCenter, through veterinarian tabs at Vought Veterinary Services and All Pets Hospital or by mail at PO Box 74, Grapeville, Pa. 15634. The organization also has Amazon and Chewy wish lists.