On February 27th, 2019, 158 cats were seized from a single residence in Racine County, Wisconsin. Unfortunately there were also many cats at the residence who were deceased. But of those 158 rescued, there is hope for them in the days ahead.
If your or someone you know owns a farm, stable, outbuilding, or business in need of rodent control, the Wisconsin Humane Society encourages you to reach out to them.
It’s important to make it known that these cats CANNOT be house cats, and they are intended for adoption by families interested in adding working cats to their fur family. The WHS is also not asking for any adoption fee for these barn cats, although donations are much appreciated. It is also suggested that they come in pairs to make the adjustment easier on these cats in need. They’ll been through a lot with this hoarding ordeal, and a familiar feline face can help with them in the next transition of their lives.
The amazing people at WHS spent several days calming the cats so that they could be humanely and safely taken into their care. Upon arriving at the residence, the terrified barn cats “scrambled into holes in the walls and even the ceiling.”
The conditions in which these cats were forced to live was something out of a horror film. But the WHS handled it with grace and respect, knowing that animal hoarding is a mental health issue.
It is a truly heartbreaking situation, but thankfully there is a light at the end of the tunnel for these cats who were forced to survive amidst deplorable conditions. The cats and kittens will need a lot of support, and they are becoming available when they’ve received the proper care and kind treatment they desperately need.
In the original post shared on Facebook on March 3rd, WHS made it known about this large-scale rescue:
“It’s heartbreaking to know that the cats and their owner had been living in such uninhabitable conditions. If you believe someone is struggling with animal hoarding, it’s important to reach out to get them support. Many of these cats will need medical treatment and lots of patience as they adjust to this new change in life; if you feel compelled, we’d be so grateful for a donation of any size toward their care.”
The Wisconsin Humane Society shared an update on their original post on Facebook on March 12th,
–Update on 158 cats from single residence–
Two weeks ago, WHS staff began removing dozens of cats from a single home in Racine County. We have now removed 158 cats from the residence. Sadly, several were already deceased, but we’re doing everything we can to create a brighter future for the survivors. We could really use your help.
Dozens of the cats will need alternative placement in our Working Cat (aka “Barn Cat”) program. Please help us spread the news, especially if you know someone with a farm, stable, outbuilding, or business that needs rodent control.
–What is a Working/Barn Cat?–
Any time a social cat comes to us, they go right into our adoption program to find a home. There are some cats who are simply fearful of new situations, and they go into our adoption program as “Hidden Treasures.” Then there are the cats who are deeply under-socialized, truly want nothing to do with people, and they get extremely stressed when confined; those are our working cats. These cats cannot be house-cats but thrive in a “working” environment where they can patrol a barn, stable, outbuilding, shed, or even a warehouse. They get to live a fulfilling life with a family who cares for them, and you get a rodent-free property!
–Adopting Working Cats–
They come in pairs of two so they have a buddy to bond with, and they’re all spayed/neutered, ear-tipped, tested for FeLV, microchipped, and vaccinated. We also provide you with plenty of information on how to successfully acclimate them to their new home. There is no adoption fee for barn/working cats; all they need is shelter, food, water, and some patience as they adjust to their new life. If you’re interested in hiring a couple of these working cats on your farm or property, please email barncats@wihumane.org.
If you’d like to make a direct donation to held these barn cats in need, you can do so here by clicking on this link. And if you can’t donate, that’s perfectly fine, too. A simple sharing of this post is enough to help spread the word on these cats’ situation.
Want to learn more about the Wisconsin Humane Society and the important work they do to help animals in need? Visit their website here, or follow them on Facebook.
All Images Courtesy of the Wisconsin Humane Society
