SAN ANTONIO -- A judge on Monday gave the owners of 31 seized cats one week to prove they are worthy of caring for the felines.

In the meantime, the cats will remain in custody of the Bexar County Humane Society, where they have been cared for since they were taken from a Balcones Heights home March 30.

Authorities initially thought the home was abandoned, but later determined that the homeowner's daughter and son-in-law from Austin were dropping by occasionally to feed and leave water for the cats.

Humane Society officials said some of the bowls were filled with feces or were empty and that some of the cages had too many cats in them.

But it appears the couple is serious about caring for the felines. They told the judge they are in the process of building a cattery in New Braunfels.

Humane Society officials said despite the good intentions, they want to make sure the cats will be in good hands.

"We need to investigate and see what they have up," said Victoria Bunch, of the Bexar County Humane Society. "How the animals are going to be taken care of. And ... find out how they're going to make it to New Braunfels to take care of the animals."

If the couple fails to convince the judge, the cats could be put up for adoption.

Another hearing is scheduled for April 17.