Dozen of cats abandoned found in terrible condition

The Meshoppen Cat Rescue got a phone call from one of their volunteers, who informed them that the cat shelter was overrun with at least 12 cats. After pulling up to the scene, they were astonished by what they saw.  

There were at least a dozen cats with terrible conditions, such as severe hair loss and eye infections.  Some of the animals had to be euthanized because of respiratory problems.

Paula Foux, Meshoppen Cat Rescue manager, said that three small blue and black carriers were found beside the garage door outside overnight.

On a day with cold, wet, and stormy conditions, the 12 cats were discovered outside. It was fortunate that the volunteers discovered them when they did.

The moms have all matted their eyes with green discharge leaking from them, some of the babies had matted their eyes already. So they were already sick but we started them on antibiotics

Paula Foux, Meshoppen Cat Rescue manager

Foux says the cats were recently spayed and neutered at Exeter Veterinary Hospital and may have been left outside because the adapters were not prepared for their arrival.

“They did get them fixed, which I thank them for, but they didn’t anticipate this problem,” she said.

Paula explains that the rescue is now overburdened and can no longer accommodate any more cats.

Paula claims they’ve acquired many more cats than they could handle in recent weeks, putting a strain on volunteers and resources.

“We adore these cats and kittens, and we do not want them to die. We are far above our target,” Foux said.

When asked if she had any message for the people who left the cats outside, Foux said “We care about these animals and we’re going to do whatever we can.”

The head of the rescue says they’ve found homes for some of the 12 and if not all of them are adopted, they will have to be euthanized.

The cats and kittens were brought to the animal shelter in Tunkhannock. Veterinarian Melissa Ferris says they will be made available for adoption either later this week or early next week.

“Over the weekend we did get them all fixed, give them shots, de-wormed and such,” she said.

Paula said they’d be delighted to receive donations or assistance with the cats, as well as any information on the individual who abandoned the current set of felines.

“Then we wouldn’t have this overpopulation private issue, because it would be resolved across the board,” she added.