Ep 3. Help! I'm Becoming a Cat Lady

Help! I'm Becoming a Cat Lady is the third episode of season 1 of the hit series Animal Planet Extreme. In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey to discover the world of cat hoarding and the impact it can have on both the hoarder and the feline victims.

The episode begins with a call to the Animal Planet Extreme team about a woman who has over 50 cats living in her home. The team, led by host Dr. Alex Hynes, arrives at the scene to investigate. As they enter the home, the smell of urine and feces is overpowering. The team is shocked to see the state of the house, with piles of newspapers, trash, and cat fur covering every surface.

The woman, who is in her 60s and living alone, is reluctant to speak with the team. Dr. Hynes gently explains the reasons why the situation is concerning and urges the woman to seek help. However, the woman is in denial about the severity of the situation and refuses to let the team assist in removing any of the cats.

Dr. Hynes and the team then explore the psychology behind cat hoarding, explaining that it is often a result of a trauma or loneliness. Viewers are shown footage of other extreme hoarding situations, and the team explains how dangerous these situations can be for the health of both the hoarder and the cats.

The episode also addresses the issue of how to properly care for cats in a hoarding situation. The team explains that hoarders often believe they are helping the cats, but in reality, the cats are often malnourished, sick, and dying. Viewers are shown the proper way to care for cats, including adequate food and water, medical attention, and a clean living space.

Dr. Hynes and the team then speak with a psychologist who specializes in hoarding behavior. The psychologist explains that hoarding is a mental illness and that it is important to treat the underlying causes of the behavior. The team then suggests options for the woman to receive the necessary medical treatment and therapy.

Throughout the episode, viewers are shown footage of the cats living in filth and are given a harrowing look into the lives of animals in hoarding situations. As the episode comes to a close, the team expresses their concern for the woman and the cats and urges her to seek help for the sake of both her own health and the well-being of the animals.

Help! I'm Becoming a Cat Lady is a powerful and eye-opening episode that sheds light on a seldom-discussed issue. The team at Animal Planet Extreme does a fantastic job of highlighting the dangers and consequences of cat hoarding, while also providing a compassionate and informative approach to understanding the issue. Viewers will undoubtedly come away from this episode with a greater appreciation for the importance of proper cat care and the impact of mental illness on the lives of both animals and humans alike.