This week, our Animal Rescue and Response team was dispatched to Indiana to help rescue dozens of cats from a house in Muncie. I had the honor of being with them, on the ground, seeing the first moments these cats got the love and care they so desperately needed.
When I first entered the house, a stench of ammonia hit me immediately. The cats had been living in relentless filth, which made it impossible for them to keep themselves clean and healthy. In all my years of this work, I haven’t seen animals living in conditions like this before. Our team had to be careful not to slip on the layers of filth that had piled up. City officials say that the 1,500-square-foot property will be condemned once all the cats are removed.
As we moved through the house, we began to meet the cats. Many of the cats were very thin, sick or suffering from injuries. And yet, despite everything they suffered, many of the cats came right up to rescuers to purr and ask for head scratches. Some of the cats even followed us around the house.
It never ceases to amaze me how resilient and strong animals are. This is something that I know keeps me—and our team—going even through the most painful of cases.
The rescued cats are now recovering in a temporary shelter. Volunteers from RedRover are helping our team tremendously with the daily needs of the cats at the temporary shelter. Once their immediate health and welfare needs are met, the cats will be available for adoption through shelter and rescue partners.
I’m so heartened that Muncie officials requested our assistance so that the cats could swiftly be connected to care. I’m confident that a brighter future lies ahead for them, thanks to all our supporters who make rescues like this possible.
Follow Kitty Block on Twitter @HSUSKittyBlock.
