Rescuer was hospitalised due to smell of a house after neighbours raised the alarm over cats

An animal rescuer was reportedly hospitalised after helping authorities respond to a home where nearly 100 feral and stray cats - both dead and alive - were found.

The smell of the property in Bohemia, Long Island, is said to have been so sickening that one person vomited and was taken to hospital, according to the New York Post.

Another volunteer who pitched in to help US officials at the gruesome scene described the state of the home as 'crazy', confessing she had to continuously take breathers to cope with the horrifying stench and sights.

Tammy Gatto, who works with Long Island Cat and Kitten Solutions, told the publication there were hundreds of pet food boxes 'scattered in every room' and, tragically, there were 'little dead bodies' inside.

"We were wearing protective suits like hazmat suits and we had respirators and it was still really tough," she said. "I had to take five breaks and I was only in there for two and a half hours."

Nearly 100 felines, both dead and alive, were found at the Long Island property (News12)

Officials were called to the Long Island suburb on Saturday (3 May) after worried neighbours raised concerns about a pungent ammonia-like smell radiating from a pad on Westminster Drive.

Neighbours told how they noticed 'cats coming in and out' of the home constantly, while complaining that the animals had also begun venturing into their gardens too.

The chief of Suffolk County's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Roy Gross, revealed that teams found a host of felines dead inside the property.

There were also dozens of gravely ill cats, who he warned have a 'long road ahead' to recovery.

"We were called in and we found 28 deceased cats, over 50 cats alive," he explained. "Those cats are right now with volunteer veterinarians, and they have a long road ahead of recovery.

"They’re all very sick - three of the cats had to be euthanised last night."

One volunteer was reportedly taken to hospital after vomiting due to the horrific smell (News12)

It was reported that 24 of the deceased animals were found stashed in a freezer at the home.

According to the Post, the swarm of cats became increasingly uncontrollable after the 75-year-old homeowner's wife passed away several weeks ago.

One local claimed that the couple had been 'feeding' felines for years on end, explaining they would often 'smell the urine' on the residential street.

"But we never smelled anything like this," the resident continued. "I mean, I feel sick to my stomach right now. They kept the windows closed. Now with the windows open, Oh my God!"

John Debacker, who heads up animal charity Long Island Cat and Kitten Solutions, said what was going on behind closed doors was 'pretty bad'.

The home has since been condemned by officials, according to reports (News12)

"I heard there was at least 24 deceased cats in the freezer and then we found two deceased kittens in the box spring," he said.

"Someone who was in there yesterday started vomiting and had to be taken to the hospital. When the investigation is over, people will be able to adopt these cats.

"It's horrific how someone can let it get this bad. People need to start spaying and neutering their pets. It probably started with two cats, and they just kept reproducing in the house, and eventually it just became too overwhelming."

Bohemia Fire Department First Assistant Chief Brian Olsen said that the house was being condemned by officials, News12 reported.

The homeowner is not currently facing charges, although the SPCA says it’s an active investigation, while explaining that the cost of caring for the surviving cats is already at $10,000 (£7,500) and it is expected to rise even further.

The SPCA has urged people to donate to help fund their treatment. You can find out more about donating here.