Anywhere from 170 to 177 cats were taken from the house on Tuesday before it was condemned by city officials, said Fond du Lac Police Lt. Rob Duveneck

Authorities said they found the cats after a nearby resident reported a "strong smell of urine" wafting from the 825-square-foot home.

Two brothers, aged 54 and 55, were living in the home, the Fond du Lac (Wis.) Reporter said.

One of the brothers initially told authorities only seven felines were in the urine-soaked home.

"As far as we know, there were no signs of abuse. It was just a situation that got out of control," Duveneck said.

Most of the cats were taken to the Fond du Lac Humane Society and the rest were being held at other animal shelters, the newspaper said.