More than 500 cats are now in the care of the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County after 101 were taken from a home where they were reportedly living in poor conditions.
The latest intake has pushed the Washington shelter far beyond capacity, with more than 280 cats housed on site and nearly 260 others being cared for by foster families.
Tacoma Police discovered the animals during a welfare check earlier this week. One cat died, while the remaining 100 were transferred to Tacoma Humane for treatment and assessment.
Many of the cats arrived with hair loss, scabbing, flea infestations and respiratory infections. Some were struggling so badly to breathe that they needed immediate medical intervention, according to the shelter.
Four nursing mothers and about a dozen neonatal kittens are receiving round-the-clock care. The cats will undergo health checks, parasite treatment, vaccinations and spay or neuter operations before being considered for adoption.
Tacoma Humane has resorted to temporary pop-up kennels and other areas of the facility to accommodate the animals. The shelter’s marketing specialist, Madison Kaeding, said some cats were being housed in spaces that had not originally been designed for them.
The rescue is the third major influx of cats faced by the organisation in recent weeks. Earlier in August, 61 cats were rescued from an abandoned boat near Owen Beach, while another 20 were found inside a vehicle in Tacoma.
Police are working with prosecutors to establish whether criminal charges will be brought against the owner of the home.
Foster homes sought for Tacoma cats
Tacoma Humane said fostering was the most effective way for the public to help relieve pressure on the shelter. It will provide food, toys, blankets, litter boxes and veterinary care for foster animals.
Foster carers must live in Pierce County or within 25 miles of the shelter. The organisation is also appealing for bath towels, hand towels, fleece blankets, paper towels and newspapers, as well as top-loading small animal carriers and small litter trays.
Donations can be delivered to the shelter on Center Street between 10am and 5.30pm daily. The organisation said people who are struggling to care for large numbers of animals should seek help early, before the situation becomes unmanageable.
