At the end of August, several animal rescue volunteers came together in Teller County to save the many cats discovered at a home in Cripple Creek, CO. The discovery of dozens of cats living in deplorable conditions was uncovered when the renter of the home was taken to the hospital by paramedics. Even though emergency medical technicians and the likes thereof, are trained to deal with the worst, they really weren't prepared for what they found.
When the woman who owned the cats was asked how many cats she had in the house she said there "were 20 to 25;" in reality, as of September 21, with the final four cats trapped, the total number cats was 66 in all. Health conditions have varied but it appears that many of the felines will survive with proper health care and nutrition. Many of the kitties were emaciated and dehydrated, many were found with eye infections, upper respiratory issues, diarrhea, matted fur – all the signs of basic neglect. And none of the cats were spayed or neutered!
Best Friends’ Community Animal Assistance department was called to help spread the word to get these cats the homes they desperately need. They’ve been networking to help garner as much support as possible, in addition to supplying financial and multiple animal placement resources – but when there’s this many cats at once, the volunteers really put the muscle in the hustle.
“Right now, most important is the need for loving new homes. Almost every single cat we rescued is discovering, maybe for the first time, what it feels like to have an endless supply of food, water, a litter box, and lots of love. In turn, they are loving back,” shared Lezlie Sage, Community Animal Assistance specialist.
“At present we have $3,400 in medical expenses and have gathered over $2,700 in donations, and we currently need $700 to pay these bills, anticipating the need for another $500 before this is over. We just want to see these sweet felines on the road to being healthy, loved family companions," said Lori Fabry, one of the key rescuers involved in this situation.
The good news is that 40 of the rescued cats have been adopted, with 26 desperately awaiting homes!
Cats like Niko, (pictured left), are ready for their own forever family to be loved and adored by! A handsome, seal point Siamese fellow, he needs an experienced adopter that can show him what it's like to be a cherished family member. (please see below for links to adoptable Cripple Creek Cats and contact information to adopt/foster)
Please help us help them by spreading the word on these wonderful pets that deserve a second chance.
How You Can Help
With medical bills mounting, any monetary donation that you can afford would be helpful!
Please make out and mail your checks to:
Dr. David Volz
The Animal Clinic of Woodland Park
801 E. Hwy. 24
Woodland Park, CO 80863
phone: (719) 687-9406
**please earmark the checks for "Cripple Creek Cats"**
Suspect your neighbor has too many cats to care for?
click here for an article from Best Friends Magazine by Sandy Miller
click here for a piece from the Special Features section of the Best Friends website
Images courtesy of Lori Fabry