Series of cat killings, mutilations in Kent has pet owners on edge

A disturbing series of cat killings in Kent has pet owners on high alert after several cats have been found dead and mutilated within the city.

Kellen Hammond, a pet owner in Kent, told KIRO 7 his 17-year-old pet, “Mittens,” somehow got outside. The next day, what was left of the cat was found along the side of his house.

“About the top third of him, just behind the front legs, a little patch of chest fur, but that up, super clean cut, like perfect flat,” Hammond said, describing the mutilation.

Another pet owner, Lorraine Vandeventer, shared that her 11-year-old “Andy” was a lovable indoor-outdoor tabby cat who suddenly disappeared about three weeks ago. Her grandson made a gruesome discovery when he found the remains of Andy in their yard.

“The collar was sitting in there. Cut, definitely cut,” Vandeventer said.

Pet owners stated that they have contacted both the Kent Police Department and King County Animal Control. Hugs Cat Sanctuary has been notified of eight separate reports so far, but fears there will be more.

Serial cat killer arrested in 2025 after allegedly roaming Seattle again

In April 2025, an alleged serial cat killer was arrested after roaming Seattle, alarming many cat owners for their pets’ safety.

Homemade traps and snares intended to capture and harm cats have begun popping up in unspecified spots in Seattle, according to posters on Seattle Reddit. The return of the cat traps coincided with the release of Antoine Leander Runner Jr., a 43-year-old man who spent time in prison for first-degree animal cruelty alongside charges for setting up traps without a permit and for mistreating, injuring, and/or killing animals.

“Runner was charged with animal cruelty for a series of grisly cat killings in 2023,” the post on Seattle Reddit read. “After his release, makeshift traps and snares started popping up again: it became clear he had returned to his hunting grounds.”

Seattle Police Department (SPD) was quickly notified of Runner Jr.’s reappearance.

“While I was conducting an area search for the suspect, a second 911 caller called in to report the same suspect had just walked onto a trail behind the Olympic Foundry, 5210 Airport Way South,” SPD stated. “Officers checked this area and located a male who matched the provided description. He also responded to the name Antoine. I placed Mr. Runner under arrest for the misdemeanor warrant.”

According to Seattle Reddit, he would visit food banks for cat food, kennels, collars, leashes, and treats to lure cats and kill them.

“Several of the cats killed in ’23 were from feral cat colonies managed by the Alley Cat Project,” the post on Seattle Reddit read. “Since his return, our trail cam footage shows he comes to the colonies every night to hunt for cats.”

The Alley Cat Project discovered the body of one of the cats from a colony on March 31, disemboweled and publicly displayed. Animal Control confirmed the injuries to the cats were human-caused.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

Contributing: KIRO 7

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