Y'know, every time I read or hear of a story like this, my heart hardens a little more toward people who say they became overwhelmed. No one person can possibly take care of that many cats alone and they know it. When they see that the number of cats is quickly growing, they know they should ask for help pronto but they don't. I do understand not wanting to turn away any animal but they certainly weren't helping them. At least if a cat is left to its own devices, it stands a chance of getting some food and maybe a responsible person finding it and giving it a home. When it's stuck in a shelter, its chances for survival and/or a quality life are slim unless there's a dedicated staff of people working there. How sad.