The cat, one of 202 cats seized in an Iredell County hoarding case, was put up for adoption Friday at the Orange County Animal Shelter. A family chose him that afternoon.

The cats and three dogs were taken from a 900-square-foot home July 27 after an animal control officer went to investigate a complaint about the living conditions of the cats.

Angie Funderburk of Mooresville was cited with two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals.

About 50 cats had to be euthanized for behavioral or medical reasons. The rest went to Iredell County Animal Services and Control, which asked for help adopting them.

Orange County Animal Services chose its “Iredell Dozen” – each named after a city, township or landmark in Iredell County – on July 31 and made them available Friday.

“I’ve been really impressed by not only their physical health, but also their sociability,” said Andi Morgan, Animal Services spokeswoman.

Christina Royal, director of Iredell County Animal Services and Control, said they found 198 cats inside the house the first day and found four more the next day. On the third day, they found three dead kittens in drawers.

Royal said the high level of ammonia inside the house made her eyes and throat burn.

“We are just so grateful to everyone who helped us,” she said. “Now we are down to a manageable number, and we are very excited about that.”

Morgan said the cats brought to Orange County were tested for feline leukemia on site and later given rabies shots and flea medication.

Cats from hoarding cases can have lingering behavior problems. Some have trouble adjusting to litter boxes. Others may seem shy or unsociable because they are not used to attention, Morgan said.

“It’s something for people to keep in mind if they are considering adopting one of them,” she said.

With one of the Iredell dozen already adopted, however, Morgan doesn’t think it will be long before the others find homes too.

“They are highly adaptable cats, especially considering where they came from.”