A frustrated group of residents from the 2200 block of Northampton Avenue went before Northampton Borough Council Oct. 1 with concerns of an elderly woman having a large number of cats at her home and property.

They reported these cats have caused issues to their home and way of life.

The woman reportedly harbors more than 50 felines, and the residents requested help to remedy the situation. Residents said she constantly puts out food for the cats, which encourages more felines to come to her property.

It was said the woman has been feeding the cats for several years and that it has become more than a nuisance, but rather a health issue, for the neighborhood.

“It has been going on for a long time,” borough Manager LeRoy Brobst said.

One man said he wants action from borough council “tonight,” or he will take action the following day. However, as other residents addressed council, it was reported the borough will move on the issue with its resources.

When the man again stood up and said he would shoot the cats, others quickly said that is not the solution.

The borough does have an animal control officer and, up until now, the woman has resisted all efforts to remove the cats, it was reported.

A resident living across the street from her said he had to replace expensive carpeting at his residence because of the odor permeating the entire block. He mentioned observing cats in the summer continually scratching themselves, injuring their bodies. He also noted seeing cats freezing and dying in the area during the winter months.

Residents raised concerns regarding the stench of cat urine and feces, which is then exposed to the neighborhood children playing outside.

The borough reported it will have the health department look into the matter for a solution.

Brobst mentioned a Nazareth woman may be able to take in a number of healthy cats. Residents reported they have contacted shelters that do not euthanize, but none would agree to take them in, including the SPCA shelter in Williams Township, which is reportedly overcrowded with cats.

Another remedy was mentioned - taking the case in front of the district magistrate. Earlier reports said that tactic might not yield productive results.