ARL Takes in 27 Cats from Overcrowding Situation
One cat diagnosed with rare congenital condition
In early February, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) worked with local animal control to take in in 27 cats from a home in Worcester County due to overcrowding.
The caretaker had simply become overwhelmed by the number of cats in the home, and requested surrender of the majority of the animals.
These types of situations can be extremely delicate and more often than not, this case included, the animals are truly loved, however, due to the sheer number of animals, the caretaker was unable to provide proper care.
Once removed from the residence, the cats were transported to ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center.
The animals underwent thorough veterinary exams, and along with signs of ear mites and fleas, a number of the cats were also treated for upper respiratory infections, which is a common byproduct of overcrowding.
ARL’s shelter medicine team also spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped all of the cats.
After a time of recuperation, many of the cats were placed up for adoption and found loving homes.
Additionally, local animal control and town health officials continue working with the caretaker to improve the living situation, and because tremendous progress has been made, three of the cats have been returned to the home.
Cat Diagnosed with Rare Congenital Condition
A few of the cats remain in the care of ARL, including a 3-year-old male cat named Chubbins, who was diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism, a rare condition for cats.
Thyroid hormones are critical for the development of the nervous and skeletal systems, and an underactive thyroid can create a number of symptoms including lethargy, mental dullness, cold intolerance, loss of fur, among others.
The condition can also cause smaller than normal proportions, which is the case for Chubbins.
While 3-years-old, Chubbins has the body frame of a 8-10-month-old kitten and weighs just 5 pounds – a typical cat this age should weight around 11 pounds.
Chubbins is receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and while responding well to the medication, he will need to spend some time in foster care before being made available for adoption.
ARL Here to Help
If you or someone you know is overwhelmed by having too many animals in their home, there is help available.
You can contact local animal control, or ARL’s Field Services Department for assistance.
Overcrowding can lead to serious health concerns not only for the animals, but for people living among them as well.
ARL approaches every overcrowding situation with respect, compassion, and a staunch commitment to ensuring the health and safety of the animals involved, as well as their caretakers.