MSPCA seeks adopters for cats removed from Mass. home

Local News

The cats were living in what officials described as overcrowded and unsanitary conditions without adequate access to food and water.

More than three dozen cats that were rescued from a single-family home in Norfolk County last week are in need of a new home. 

Thirty of the felines are now in the care of MSPCA-Angell and many of them are already available for adoption, the animal welfare organization said in a statement. The cats were removed from the Norfolk County home on January 2. 

Officials said the animals were living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions without adequate access to food, water, and clean litter. But despite those conditions, many were described as in “generally good health.”

“These cats are pretty thin, so they’re on refeeding plans to get them to a healthier weight,”  Mike Keiley, vice president of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division, said in a statement. “Some also need treatment for upper respiratory infections, which is common when there’s a large number of cats in one home.”

A team from MSPCA-Angell removed the cats in coordination with local animal control, which also took 10 cats from the home. 

Animal cruelty charges are not currently being pursued in the case, according to the MSPCA. 

“Large scale situations like this can be tough, and, in some instances, are the result of hoarding disorders that can lead to large numbers of animals unexpectedly coming into care and overwhelming our systems,” Keiley said. “In situations where this is identified, we recognize that the best path forward for both the humans and animals involved is connecting those in need to services to address the underlying cause that leads to these situations in hope of preventing reoccurrence, while we focus on getting the animals what they need to be successful in their new homes.”

Keiley said taking in so many animals at one time puts an “extraordinary strain” on the organization’s resources. He estimated the cost of their care will amount to about $5,000. 

“When situations like this arise in Massachusetts, we know we need to pull out all the stops to help, even when it requires some creative logistics to make space in our shelters,” he said. 

Anyone interested in adopting one of the cats can view the animals available at mspca.org/adoptacat or visit Nevins Farm or the Northeast Animal Shelter. Those interested in assisting the MSPCA with caring for the animals are being asked to donate at mspca.org/manycats.