An animal rescue organization is turning to the public for help as it aids in a hoarding case.

Thomaston Animal Control responded to a home last month after an elderly woman died. She left behind more than 50 cats.

Animal rescue group Paws for Life got involved with the situation, taking in 22 cats and 10 kittens.

"I think [the deceased woman] wanted to help the animals in her community and it got out of hand, which it does very quickly with cats and dogs which are not spayed and neutered," says Paws for Life co-founder Becky Hill.

Paws for Life's founders say all of the animals were spayed or neutered. Some need extensive dental work and a few had to have eyes removed.

The group estimates the medical care for the group of cats to be over $20,000. The case has taken a toll on the small nonprofit's resources.

Paws for Life is asking for help with funding and to find people who can foster the 12 to 15 cats remaining in the home.

"I think primarily what we need right now is foster homes, and people get a little overwhelmed when they think about fostering. It doesn't have to be," says Hill. "If you have a spare room, a spare bathroom, we can provide food, litter, we pay all the vetting."

The homeowner's daughter has cleaned the house and is temporarily living there. The previous situation at the home was reportedly poor.

"The conditions were pretty deplorable," says Paws for Life co-founder Melissa Sprague. "The smell was out of control as you can imagine. It's a small house with 50+ cats running in and out."

Those interested in helping out Paws for Life can click here.