An Auburn pet groomer is seeking help after agreeing to take in a small family of cats and instead being handed 14 animals, including 11 kittens.
Naomi Ruffin, owner of Ruff-n-Fluff in Washington state, had expected to receive a mother cat and four or five kittens from an acquaintance who could no longer care for them.
When two crates arrived at the grooming shop, however, staff found far more animals than anticipated. Several required prompt medical attention, while veterinary examinations suggested that three of the adult female cats were pregnant.
Auburn pet groomer faces mounting costs
Ruffin decided to take in all 14 cats and has also pledged to care for any kittens born while they remain under her supervision. The animals have been given fruit-themed names, including Apricot, Watermelon and Lemon.
Auburn Valley Animal Clinic has fitted the cats into its schedule for examinations and treatment, offering discounted services to help reduce the financial strain. Even so, the cost of food, blankets, puppy pads and ongoing medical care is rapidly increasing.
An online fundraiser has been set up to help meet the veterinary bills and buy essential supplies. Ruffin said the immediate priority was to stabilise the animals’ health before finding permanent homes for them in the local community.
People interested in adopting one of the cats will be able to contact Ruff-n-Fluff, although the shop is still working out how prospective owners will be assessed.
