One hundred cats have been taken into care after police and animal control officers discovered them inside a home in Tacoma, Washington, leaving the local Humane Society caring for more than 500 cats and kittens.
The animals were found at a property near 29th Street NE after officers attended on Tuesday, 1 September, to carry out a welfare check on a person seen lying outside the house.
Police said officers noticed a strong smell of ammonia when they approached the property and could see more than 30 cats inside, including animals on the second floor. The resident initially surrendered 16 cats, but officers later returned with a warrant and removed a further 85.
One cat was found dead. The 100 surviving animals were transferred to the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, where staff are assessing their health and beginning treatment.
Many of the cats had hair loss, scabs and fleas, while several were suffering from respiratory infections. The shelter said some had difficulty breathing and needed immediate medical attention.
Humane Society caring for more than 500 cats
The latest seizure came only weeks after 61 cats were rescued from a boat near Owen Beach and another 20 were found in a vehicle in Tacoma.
The Humane Society said the combined influx had pushed its resources to the limit. More than 280 cats are being housed at the shelter, with nearly 260 others in foster homes, while temporary pop-up kennels have been used to create additional space.
Four nursing mothers and about a dozen neonatal kittens are receiving round-the-clock care. All the cats will undergo veterinary checks, parasite treatment, vaccinations and spaying or neutering before they can be considered for adoption.
Tacoma Police said the home was found to contain more animals than the city’s limit of six cats per household. Officers are working with prosecutors to establish whether charges should be brought, with decisions expected after the animals have been assessed by vets.
Neighbours said they had noticed cat faeces in their gardens but had not realised there were so many animals at the property. “I didn’t know our neighbours had that many cats,” one resident said.
The Humane Society is urging people in Pierce County, or within 25 miles of the shelter, to consider fostering. It says it can provide food, toys, bedding, litter, litter trays and medical care for foster animals.
The organisation is also appealing for bath and hand towels, fleece blankets, paper towels and newspapers. Donations can be taken to the shelter at 2608 Center Street, Tacoma, which is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm.
