Nearly two dozen starving cats, kittens, birds and a dog were rescued from a squalid home in Putnam County, officials say.

The animals were discovered Tuesday by the owner of the Lake Carmel house, who immediately called officials from the SPCA. Officials say the first floor of the house was covered in feces.

SPCA officials say they found a total of 16 cats, an 11-year-old Dalmatian, a cockatiel and five love birds in the home. Nine of the 16 cats were newborn kittens. They say all were abused, neglected and in distress. Some had severe respiratory infections, according to the SPCA.

The tenant was charged with 23 counts of animal cruelty.

Officials at the SPCA in Briarcliff Manor say one kitten had to be euthanized. However, they are hopeful the rest of the animals will pull through.