Hoarding – Out of Space and Time, CHS Rescues Nearly 60 Sick Cats From One Home.

Green nose discharge. Eyes crusting shut and third eyelids showing. Underweight. Congested breathing. Masses. An abscess on a cheek.

This was the condition of the 56 cats we received this summer. In early July, we received a call from PETA (People for Ethical Treatments of Animals). They had been called in on a hoarding case of 60 cats in one home, an hour away from us. They were not having any luck getting local organizations to help them. Despite being full, we could not say no. We could not let these voiceless souls be euthanized.

We turned our small meeting space, the Community Room, into a large cat living room. We accepted the cats in groups of 15-20 at a time and examined, vaccinated, and microchipped each one upon arrival. It was quite a process but this allowed us to know the condition of every animal, what they needed treatment-wise, and be able to easily identify them with their microchips (many looked very similar!).

Nearly every cat had an upper respiratory illness, some worse than others. Most had nasal and eye discharge, congestion and their third eyelids showing (a sure sign of the cat fighting an illness). Immediately we knew we made the right decision bringing them to CHS. We were going to give them better lives, and for some, we would end up saving their lives. Many were dirty and covered in feces from the travel, and most were underweight. Amazingly, despite their ailments, almost all of them were friendly and affectionate!

After baths and their initial assessments, the cats were given plenty of cuddles and they explored their new space. Some were anxious because of the change, and others were extremely friendly. Some huddled in a corner with each other for comfort, while others preferred our arms and rubbing on our legs. We rolled a ball for a group of kittens and watched as they followed the ball in amazement, unsure what to do with it. It didn’t take long for them to learn how to play!

The cats were put on antibiotics and those in the worst condition went into foster homes to recover in a quiet setting. Major issues were addressed once they got settled in. To date, we have had to remove four cat’s right eyes because the infections had progressed too far for us to save them. Our Medical Director, Dr. Patrias, also removed 3 masses from a cat named Chuckles, and lanced an abscess on another cat, Pia’s, cheek.

In addition to the special care they needed, all these cats also needed to be spayed or neutered and given parasite prevention, vaccinations and food that help filled the hungry tummies. In addition to the cats inside their home, this family was feeding at least 20 free-roaming cats. We also sterilized those cats when trapped, and sent them to a rescue organization that works with feral cats.

We are happy to report that these cats have already started to find their forever homes. While there are a few who still have upper respiratory infections or are recovering from their eye removals, most are available for adoption. As much as their former family loved them, they certainly were not able to receive the love and care they deserved, let alone medical treatment. These cats will go on to live long, full lives with this new fresh start.