Heat Wave Prompts Urgent Rescue of Cats, Kittens After Owner Enters Assisted Living
EAST BROOKFIELD — As New England braces for a dangerous heatwave, Second Chance Animal Services is asking for the public’s help responding to an urgent rescue of cats and kittens left behind after their owner was unexpectedly placed in assisted living.
The family had no idea their loved one had been caring for so many cats. When they discovered them, they immediately reached out for help. With the home lacking air conditioning and dangerous temperatures in the forecast, there was no time to wait.
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. Two adult cats escaped before they could be safely caught, and rescuers will continue returning to the property to search for them and any other cats that may still be hiding.
“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 at Second Chance. “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 rescued kittens range in age from approximately 10 days to 5 to 6 weeks old. Second Chance is especially hoping to locate any additional nursing mothers, as kittens this young still depend on their mother’s milk and care for the best chance of survival.
The kittens will 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.
The cats and kittens will be placed in loving foster homes where they can grow, heal, and thrive until they are ready for adoption. Second Chance is 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 place 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.