THE DALLES, Ore. (AP) -- A homeless man who hoarded cats has taxed the capacity of an animal rescue organization in The Dalles.

Carmen Marquez and her organization, CatLink, have rescued nearly 40 cats and kittens from a homeless man who had been living in Celilo Park.

Many cats suffered from malnutrition, parasites and ear mites -- considered normal problems for cats living outside.

Marquez said the homeless man, known as Chester, had been hoarding cats for years, bringing the sick animals to her organization for treatment.

But he refused to have them spayed or neutered, continuing a cycle of sick cats into new generations.

Now CatLink has spayed or neutered the rescued cats and is looking for homes for them.