75 Cats Found in Paris Apartment: Dead Kittens in Freezer

An animal rescue operation in Paris has uncovered 75 cats found in a small apartment in the 15th arrondissement, alongside dead kittens stored in a freezer. Police and a bailiff called the charity YouCare to a social housing unit on 10 September 2026 after the tenant was forcibly evicted. Volunteers entered the roughly 50-square-meter home and found it severely neglected, with a strong smell of urine.

What Happened in the Paris Apartment?

French daily Le Parisien reported that neighbours had long complained about the stench. Inside the flat, YouCare discovered 75 cats living in appalling conditions. None of the cats had been spayed or neutered, leading to constant breeding. YouCare estimates that dozens of kittens died every month inside the apartment.

"Only four kittens born in the home survived," a YouCare spokesperson said. The incident highlights growing concerns about animal hoarding cases in urban Europe and the pressure they place on rescue organisations.

The Rescue Operation and Cat Welfare Crisis

Since 10 September, volunteers have evacuated 45 cats from the property. Around 30 cats remain in the apartment because YouCare does not have enough space to shelter them all; volunteers return daily to feed and check the animals. Several cats needed emergency veterinary treatment.

The charity launched an urgent appeal, estimating treatment and shelter costs at about 500 euros per cat. The 21,000-euro fundraising target has already been reached, YouCare confirmed.

Key Numbers in the Paris Cat Rescue

• Total cats found: 75
• Cats evacuated since 10 September: 45
• Cats still inside the apartment: about 30
• Estimated cost per cat: 500 euros
• Fundraising target: 21,000 euros (reached)

YouCare chairman Thomas Moreau described the case as a probable instance of animal hoarding. "It is a probable case of animal hoarding, known in French as Noah syndrome," Moreau said. The operation mirrors other recent animal rescue operations in France that have stretched shelter capacity across the country.

What Is Noah Syndrome?

French media report that the tenant is suspected of having a hoarding disorder known as Noah syndrome, also called animal hoarding. This psychiatric condition involves keeping a higher-than-usual number of pets without the ability to provide adequate housing, food, sanitation or veterinary care, while denying that the animals are suffering.

According to the Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium, common signs include accumulating an overwhelming number of animals, failing to acknowledge deteriorating conditions, and not recognising the harm caused to both animals and people. Unlike deliberate cruelty, animal hoarding is generally understood as a mental health condition rather than intentional abuse.

Legal Implications and What Happens Next

YouCare has filed a criminal complaint for animal abuse, Le Parisien reported. The evicted tenant denies the accusations and has said he wants the cats returned. Legal experts note that animal cruelty prosecutions in France can be complex when underlying mental health issues are involved.

The remaining cats are expected to be rehomed or transferred to partner shelters after veterinary checks. For now, volunteers continue to care for the animals left behind in the apartment.

FAQ: 75 Cats Found in Paris Apartment

How many cats were found in the Paris apartment?

YouCare found 75 cats in a roughly 50-square-meter social housing unit in Paris's 15th arrondissement.

Were dead kittens really found in a freezer?

Yes. Volunteers discovered dead kittens stored in the kitchen freezer, and only four kittens born in the home are known to have survived.

What is Noah syndrome?

Noah syndrome, or animal hoarding, is a psychiatric condition in which a person keeps more animals than they can properly care for while denying the animals' suffering.

How many cats have been rescued so far?

Since 10 September 2026, 45 cats have been evacuated. About 30 remain in the apartment and are fed daily by volunteers.

Did YouCare reach its fundraising goal?

Yes. The charity's 21,000-euro appeal, roughly 500 euros per cat, has already been met to cover veterinary and shelter costs.