Cats and kittens were surrendered by a breeder to authorities in Nanaimo after a buyer noted they were emaciated, flea-infested and smelled of bodily waste.

In a press release, B.C. SPCA Nanaimo stated four ragdoll kittens and four cats were taken April 10 from a property in Nanaimo. The animal neglect case was brought to the organization's attention after a person buying from the breeder noticed numerous issues. 

"Not only did this breeder deny the buyer entry into their home to see the breeding area, but the kitten they brought out smelled strongly of urine and had fleas crawling into their mouth and eyes," said Eileen Drever, B.C. SPCA spokesperson, in the press release.

A subsequent visit to a veterinarian showed the kitten had a bloated abdomen, "with live fleas and excessive flea dirt present, dark debris in the ears, dark discharge in one eye, hair loss around both eyes, and scabs on the tip of his ears, plus crusting on his tail," the press release noted.

After the owner notified the SPCA's animal help line, an officer visited the property and noticed similar issues with "a strong ammonia odour, full litter boxes and scattered cat feces on the floor," the press release stated. "There was no visible kitten food for the remaining eight-week-old kittens."

Drever said the kittens were malnourished, while the cats also were infested with fleas "with severe flea allergy dermatitis and skin infections." The cats and kittens also tested positive for ringworm and won't be available for adoption for two months, the press release stated.

"It is worth repeating, if a breeder will not let you into their home to see how the animals are living, then you should not purchase an animal from them,鈥� said the SPCA spokesperson in the press release. 鈥淏ased on the condition of the original kitten, it was clear that the animals in this home were not receiving the care they desperately needed."

Anyone suspecting an animal is in distress is asked to call B.C. SPCA's animal hotline at 1-855-622-7722.