News
Cat Heroes Still Needed
April 21, 2008, 12:3PM MT
By Jennifer S Hayes
Update on the cats rescued from hoarding situation in Snowflake, Arizona.
Update on the cats rescued from hoarding situation in Snowflake, Arizona.
By Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Staff
On February 19, 2008, representatives from Second Chance Center for Animals and Animal Defense League of Arizona teamed up to rescue numerous cats who had been living in the filth-covered home of a hoarder in Snowflake, Arizona. Unfortunately, their health was so compromised, that most had to be humanely euthanized.
However, with immediate medical care, 21 survived the ordeal and were made available for adoption or transfer to rescue organizations. Second Chance took five of the cats into their adoption program, where three have already been adopted and Pet Allies recently accepted another five cats into their foster program. There are still nine cats though who are in need of homes.
Amazingly, these resilient felines have overcome their past adversity. When they initially arrived, they would timidly sit in the back of their cages and warily looking at people. Over the last few months though, they have literally transformed and now actively solicit affection. “The definitely are seeking attention and they want that interaction, and that’s a huge change,” noted Kem O’Brien, Second Chance Clinics Manager. “You walk into the room and they are just like any other cats; they want your love and attention. They just happen to be cats with very special needs.”
O’Brien further stated, “They all have eye issues in varying degrees and sometimes it’s better and sometimes it’s a little worse. It’s going to be something they will have the rest of their lives.” Because of the past neglect, and severity of their upper respiratory infections, they will in all likelihood need ongoing medical care, including antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Candybar, the one cat who received a name, will soon be undergoing a dental and two others require enucleation surgery, where each needs to have an eye removed. Due to the potential for illness reoccurrence, it is recommended that all nine be adopted into homes with cats who already have respiratory issues or where they can be an only cat.
Because of the fast approaching kitten season, homes are needed now for these special cats now more than ever. Second Chance has no space in their adoption program and has had to stop accepting adult cats into their shelter. O’Brien’s is concerned about a possible outbreak of illness at the shelter and these nine cats are utilizing their feline quarantine area. She stated, “We’re not in a dire situation yet, but we’re one health issue, one disease protocol away from it being an issue.”
TWO WAYS YOU CAN HELP:
1. Homes needed ASAP
These cats have been given a new chance at life. After all that they have endured, each of the nine is deserving of a loving home. While adoptions would be ideal, rescue placements are also welcomed. If you are interested in adopting, or can accept one of more of these special felines into your shelter or rescue organization, please contact Jean Meyers at 928-773-8028 or Kem O’Brien at 928-526-5964 ext. 213.
2. Financial support needed for their care
Donations are being accepted to help fund their care, including the upcoming dental and eye removal surgeries. Please make a notation that the donation is to be used for the Snowflake cats.
Second Chance Center for Animals
11665 North Highway 89
Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
or
Animal Defense League of Arizona
PO Box 1973
Flagstaff, Arizona 86002
For more information:
• Original article: Cats Rescued from a Life of Squalor
• Animal Defense League of Arizona
• Second Chance Center for Animals
• When Helping Becomes Hoarding
• Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium (HARC)
Photo credit: photos of some of the cats who are still in need of homes provided courtesy of Jean Meyers of Animal Defense League of Arizona.