Mass. shelter asks for assist after give up of 52 cats

A Massachusetts animal shelter is asking for support as it works to look after 52 cats surrendered to its care by a “well-intentioned” local resident who initially rescued the felines. 

Second Chance Animal Services in East Brookfield said the animals were brought to them after the resident, who had been rescuing homeless cats, began facing medical issues. 

“We’re asking for the community’s support to defray this large expense and also, once they are ready for adoption, to adopt these wonderful cats,” the shelter announced on Tuesday.

The shelter said it is one of their largest rescues ever and their adoption center was already full. 

“While we’d initially prepared to accept 22 cats and kittens, the final tally included 30 more, an extremely large amount for our adoption center,” the shelter said. 

As of Wednesday evening, more than $3,000 had been donated to the shelter to assist the nonprofit with feeding and providing medical care to the felines, costs the organization are expecting to exceed $18,000. 

While none of the rescued homeless cats were spayed, neutered, or vaccinated when they arrived at the shelter, the organization said they were “clearly loved and cared for.”

“These cats are remarkably well-socialized according to Danielle Bowes, our foster coordinator & adoption counselor,” the shelter said in a statement. “Many of them came right to the front of the cage for head boops and attention. Among the group is a mother cat with seven kittens who have already been placed in a foster home.”

According to the shelter, some of the cats are already available for adoption. 

Dialynn Dwyer is a reporter and editor at Boston.com, covering breaking and local news across Boston and New England.