EAST BROOKFIELD — As the region braces for a dangerous heatwave, Second Chance Animal Services is asking for the public’s help responding to an urgent rescue of dozens of cats and kittens who were left behind after their owner was unexpectedly placed in assisted living.
The family of the owner now in assisted living had no idea their loved one had been caring for so many cats. So when they discovered them at the Connecticut home, they immediately reached out for help. With the home lacking air conditioning and dangerous temperatures in the forecast, there was no time to wait. To respect the wishes of the family, Second Chance is not revealing the specific location of the home.
So far, 16 cats and kittens have been brought to safety, including 14 kittens, some just 10 days old. Among them are a nursing mother caring for her babies and another mother who is pregnant, according to Second Chance.
The nonprofit said some cats may still be hiding in the home and that two adult cats escaped before being rescued.
Rescuers will return to the home to look for more cats and are especially focused on looking for any additional nursing mothers, as kittens this young still depend on their mother’s milk and care for the best chance of survival.
“We’re relieved we were able to get these vulnerable cats and kittens out before the worst of the heat arrived,” said Lindsay Doray, Chief Development Officer of Second. “The youngest kittens are completely dependent on their mothers, and every hour matters at this age. We’re hopeful we’ll be able to safely locate the remaining cats, especially any nursing mothers that may still be caring for kittens.”
The kittens rescued from the home range in age from as young as 10 days to 5 to 6 weeks old; right now they require food, warmth, and around-the-clock care, while the mother cats need food, veterinary care, and a safe place to raise their families.
Before they are ready for adoption, every cat and kitten will receive vaccinations, parasite treatment, spay or neuter surgery, and any additional medical care they need.
Second Chance said the cats and kittens will be immediately brought to “loving foster homes where they can grow, heal, and thrive until they are ready for adoption” and added that they are always seeking compassionate adopters willing to open their homes to pets in need when these cats are ready for their “forever families.”
Unexpected rescues like this put an immediate strain on the nonprofit’s resources. Community donations will help provide emergency veterinary care, food, formula if needed, shelter, and ongoing care for these cats and kittens, as well as future emergency rescues.
Those wishing to help with the care of these cats and kittens can donate through the emergency fundraiser at givebutter.com/emergency-rescue. To learn more about fostering, submit a foster application, or learn more about Second Chance Animal Services and its programs, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org.
-Second Chance Animal Services
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