The authorities are to inspect all pet care services after hundreds of cats entrusted to a pet hotel were found to have been neglected.

Police and volunteers found almost 300 starving cats in rows of uncleaned cages when they broke into the premises of PetKnode Online Pet Store on Sunday, after worried owners were unable to contact the company.

Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin, director general of the Veterinary Services Department, said "I will issue a directive to the department and local councils to inspect and register all premises that keep animals, such as pet hotels, pet clinics and pet shops."

The facilities would receive a grade of A, B or C depending on the level of service provided, he was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper.

Owners yesterday lodged more than 20 police reports against PetKnode in Selangor, Jamaluddin said.

Police had said at least nine cats had died, and several others were missing.

PetKnode's owners apologised on their Facebook page yesterday, admitting they had "neglected" the cats, but blamed a lack of staff during the week's holiday marking the end of Ramadan.

The law provides for a RM200 fine and a jail term of up to six months for cruelty to animals.

- dpa