Tacoma Humane Society overflowing after third large-scale cat rescue

The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County is urgently seeking foster families and donations after a series of large-scale cat rescues pushed the shelter far beyond its capacity.

This week, the shelter took in 101 cats and kittens seized from a home after a welfare check by Tacoma police revealed the animals living in poor conditions.

It was the third major rescue in the Tacoma area in recent weeks. In early August, authorities pulled 61 cats from an abandoned boat near Owen Beach. Another 20 cats were recovered from a stolen vehicle.

The influx has strained a facility built to house about 78 cats. The shelter now has more than 280 cats on-site and roughly 260 more in foster homes, totaling more than 500 animals in its care.

“We have to rely on those temporary pop-up kennels and put animals in spaces that weren’t originally built for these animals, like extra offices,” Madison Kaeding, the Humane Society’s marketing specialist, said.

Tacoma Humane Society in need of supplies

Many of the cats from the home seizure arrived with hair loss, scabbing, flea infestations and upper respiratory infections. Four nursing mothers and around a dozen kittens require round-the-clock veterinary attention, Kaeding said. She estimated it could take up to a month before the animals are fully vetted and available for adoption.

The shelter says fostering is the most effective form of relief. The organization provides all necessary materials and supplies, including toys, blankets, and medical care.

The Humane Society is also in need of supply donations, including bath towels, hand towels, fleece blankets, paper towels, and newspaper.

More details are available on the Humane Society’s website.

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