Crews removed the cats from the Animal Friends of Elk and Cameron Counties shelter on Thursday.

Nearly 400 cats were removed from that building. They were moved from the shelter in St. Marys to a barn in Fox Township.

That barn was packed with cages on Thursday.

Veterinarians started to examine the cats, many of which were in critical condition.

WJAC-TV visited the temporary shelter on Thursday.

Many of the cats have runny noses and eyes.

Several are even missing eyes.

Officials said nearly all of the cats are friendly.

The American Humane Association will be in Elk County for the next two weeks, providing care for the cats.

Officials said they hope to find homes for most of the cats.

WJAC-TV talked with woman who once worked at Animal Friends.

She said the shelter had become overwhelmed and officials had asked the community for help several times over the past five years.