The Jefferson City Animal Shelter has taken in more than 40 cats that Holts Summit police and animal rescue volunteers removed from a Holts Summit residence Monday and Tuesday.
Besides some malnourishment, the felines were healthy and able to be taken in right away, said Michelle Gleba, Jefferson City communications manager.
Many of the cats have already been adopted.
The Holts Summit Police Department began investigating the home after complaints from neighbors last year.
Officer Marc Haycook said complaints began to be filed last summer and the department tried to work with the homeowners to solve the issue. But nothing came of it, leading to the filing of criminal charges.
The homeowners, Heather Skelton and Preston Campbell, face charges in Holts Summit Municipal Court and are scheduled to appear at 1:30 p.m. today.