With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
52 'Christmas Cats' Saved From Pasadena Hoarding Situation, Seek Forever Homes
One of the 52 kittens gets weighed.
(
Courtesy of Pasadena Humane
)
Dozens of cats are in need of new homes this holiday season after being saved from a hoarding situation.
Pasadena Humane’s animal control officers rescued 52 cats and kittens last week from a residence in the city. Most of the animals were found inside the home but some were discovered underneath the property.
Dia DuVernet, CEO and President of Pasadena Humane, says they’re working with the city to help the previous owner. Most of the felines came in with upper respiratory issues and ear infections, which she says is common for cats housed in crowded and unsanitary conditions.
The cats are responding well to treatment.
(
Courtesy of Pasadena Humane
)
Support for LAist comes from
Hoarding animals is a complicated issue that involves mental health, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The organization says that in a majority of cases, people with animal hoarding issues can believe living together is helpful.
But by hoarding, the owners usually aren’t able to provide minimum care, such as a safe home, food and clean environment. At least 250,000 animals nationwide are in hoarding conditions yearly but only 3,500 people who hoard them are found.
“It can be a devastating situation for both pets and people,” DuVernet said. “It is really something to care for 52 sick cats all at once. Our staff has been doing a remarkable job of handling this large influx.”
There are warning signs an owner may be struggling. They might isolate themselves and not know how many animals are at home. The animals could appear lethargic, or the house could have strong smells of ammonia from urine, according to the ASPCA.
The rescued felines are on the road to recovery and have been dubbed “the Christmas Cats.” The agency’s staff gave all 52 holiday-inspired names, such as Jolly, Merry, and Jingle. Pasadena Humane hopes to find the cats forever homes this Saturday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m to 1 p.m.
“We’re preparing for our Whisker Wonderland event,” said DuVernet. “We'll be offering a reduced adoption fee. All the cats will be vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered before they go home to their new homes.”
Support for LAist comes from
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
Distrito Catorce’s Guillermo Piñon says the team no longer reflects his community. A new mural will honor local leaders instead. -
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades. -
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend.
Best of LAist