EVERETT, Wash. -- Animal control officers rescued 40 cats and kittens from "deplorable conditions" at a trash-strewn home in north Lynnwood where they also found dead animals, Snohomish County officials said.

Medics and deputies who came to treat a woman for a medical problem found the animals amid feces, urine and a stench so bad that animal control officers needed ventilators and protective suits to rescue the surviving animals, the animal control department said.

They found nine dead animals, including six dead kittens wrapped in paper towels inside the oven. Two other kittens and a cat were found elsewhere in the house, "all in various stages of decomposition, their bodies lying among piles of trash and debris," a county news release said. Seven animal that were still alive when authorities arrived had to be euthanized. Most of the surviving cats and kittens were thin, hungry and covered with fleas.

"Even the most experienced officers on site were astounded by the filthy conditions in which the cats were living," the news release said.

The cats, kittens and eight finches were taken to the Everett Animal Shelter.

The woman who lived in the home, Glynnis Quatlebaum, died at an Everett hospital early Monday. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner said Quatlebaum died of natural causes and had pre-existing medical problems. Officials said her environment may have exacerbated her condition.

Animal Services has prepared a list of types of pet food and other supplies officers need to care for the animals. People can drop off donations at 333 Smith Island Road in North Everett.

Pet Food, Supplies Needed For Donation