Modern cat hoarding can be really, really bad, but even at its worst, I think the smell must still be better than that in the same situation in the Victorian era. We have better construction now and many more options for keeping things clean, like enzyme sprays, carpet shampooers, vacuums, and odor-busting cat litter. Back then, the scent of unaltered cat pee would have quickly overtaken the house. With the cabbage and the fish offal, I can see why nuisance officer broke out in a feverish sweat (and I'm not even 100% sure what fish offal is!).