Wisconsin Rescuers Rally to Save Close to 50 Cats from Neglect

It started as a simple estimate for cleaning services but turned into a massive animal rescue operation. Close to 50 cats were found abandoned at an unlivable home this week. It’s also a good reminder how quickly situations involving unspayed and unneutered pets can spiral out of control.

Payton Pritzl, chief operating officer with Shelter from the Storm, a Madison area nonprofit shelter and low-cost veterinary clinic, says a client of the clinic stumbled into the heartbreaking scene of neglect while visiting a property to provide a quote for repair work. She found dozens of cats living in filth and destruction, both in and around the 4,000-square-foot home.

“She called us right away,” Pritzl says. “She was overwhelmed. She could help a few cats, but it was way more than anyone expected.”

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What quickly followed was a coordinated effort led by a Shelter from the Storm team along with support from other rescues from around the state. The goal was to get as many cats out as fast as possible. They initially prepared for about 30 cats but ended up removing more than 45 – and still counting – in just the first two days.

“These aren’t just feral cats,” Pritzl explains. “They are pets. Most are friendly, social, and clearly had lived indoors. We knew we had to help.”

The tenant of the home, according to Pritzl, was someone familiar with rescue resources, yet failed to act when the situation grew out of control. The rest of the details remain limited due to a current investigation. And Pritzl is expressing frustration over the fact that help had been within reach before the tenant left.

“People often think they’ll be judged if they ask for help, but we try to meet people where they’re at,” Pritzl says. “We offer low-cost veterinary care and spay/neuter options to prevent this kind of thing. But in this case, those resources were ignored.”

Now, despite the challenges, the rescuers are treating the cats for upper respiratory infections, parasites, and malnourishment. Some are already being prepped for adoption or foster-to-adopt placement.

Shelter from the Storm is also participating in “Clear the Shelters,” a nationwide adoption initiative, offering low-cost adoption fees for all available animals along with additional promotions throughout August.

“It’s honestly perfect timing,” Pritzl shares. “Even if someone can’t adopt one of these hoarding case cats right now, adopting another cat or dog helps free up space for us to take more in.”

Here’s how you can help these cats or any shelter animals:

• Adopt or foster through Shelter from the Storm or your area shelter — Shelter from the Storm is the lead agency on this particular cat rescue
  
• Donate to support medical care and daily needs
  
• Volunteer to help care for the animals or assist with events
  
• Share their stories on social media to raise awareness
  

“We know not everyone can adopt, but everyone can do something,” Pritzl says. “This situation is hard — but it’s also a chance for people to show up and make a real difference.”

Learn more on the Shelter from the Storm website here or follow Shelter from the Storm on social media for updates.