Woman Charged in Austin Cat Abandonment Case

Nayzak Najm allegedly left behind 15 cats after moving out of her South Austin residence.
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Officers charged Nayzak Najm, a 27-year-old, with 13 Class A misdemeanor charges after responding to a 911 call from a concerned resident in February, during which the caller reported multiple malnourished cats inside a neighboring unit that appeared to be living in unsanitary and unsafe conditions, according to a Friday news release.

Authorities contacted apartment management, who confirmed Najm had vacated the unit in mid-January 2026 after turning in her keys. The lease officially expired on Jan. 31, 2026. Management discovered the animals after entering the unit to begin restoration efforts following prior flooding issues.

Responding officers reported conditions consistent with a hoarding environment, including significant debris, standing water and widespread waste. Fifteen cats were found inside the apartment. Of those, 12 were found alive but in varying states of malnourishment.

One cat was recovered in critical condition and transported to an emergency veterinary clinic, where euthanasia was recommended.

Two additional cats were found deceased inside the unit. Evidence at the scene indicated that surviving animals had partially consumed the remains. The cause of death for the deceased cats could not be determined.

Animal Control removed the surviving cats from the apartment and transported them for evaluation and care.

The investigation determined that Najm had abandoned the animals when she vacated the apartment, leaving them without adequate food, water or care.

Based on the evidence, the APD Animal Cruelty Detectives filed more than a dozen Class A misdemeanor charges, corresponding to 13 surviving cats associated with the case. Charges were not filed in relation to the two dead cats due to the inability to identify their cause of death. Arrest warrants have been issued and approved by a municipal court judge.