Frisky Feline Fingered in Shelter Flood

Editor's note: The above photograph is a file photo of a cat adopted by a Patch staffer several years ago. The Florida Humane Society in Pompano Beach has not released the identity or photographs of its suspected feline flooder.

Pompano Beach, FL — A playful ball of fur with a curiosity streak a mile long is the suspected culprit behind a recent flood at the Florida Humane Society in Pompano Beach.

The flood in question occurred earlier this month after the nonprofit shelter closed for the night. It seems when volunteers left for the evening, the kittens and cats in a communal room were all on their best behavior. Sometime during the night, however, one (or several) critters decided to jump onto a counter and nudge the the sink into the on position.

It or they “also hit the faucet handle,” so the water didn’t run down the drain, explained volunteer MJ Jackson. The water instead ran onto the counter, down the cabinet, onto the floor and out the door.

It ran, and ran and ran until the flood was discovered the next day. When volunteers arrived, they were faced with several inches of standing water on the floor, Jackson said.

The water did an estimated $5,000 in damage to the building and its contents, the Miami Herald reported.

As for the cats, they were just fine, Jackson told Patch.

“They have cat powers,” she joked. “They were up high.”

While the culprit or culprits refused to step forward, volunteers believe a rather spunky 6-month-old female may be to blame. The kitten, who isn’t being identified, has since been adopted, officials report.

“We have a good idea because there was one younger female cat who really liked playing in sinks,” said volunteer Terry Arbour, according to the Herald. “It’s possible there was collusion from others, but she probably had something to do with it.”

A positive identification of the feline(s) behind the crime will probably never be made. It seems the communal cat room doesn't have a surveillance system. And, with no cats willing to rat out those responsible, the mystery continues.

While no cats – or dogs – were injured in the flood, the Humane Society now has a lot of damage to repair, Jackson said. Insurance will cover some of the costs, but not all. In addition to property damage, the flood also caused damage to some stored kitty litter and pet food, among other items.

As for the faucet the kitten (or cats) were able to move, it’s been replaced to prevent a repeat performance in the future, Jackson said.

Anyone who wishes to help the shelter with repairs can donate via the Humane Society’s website. Donations are also accepted over the phone during the shelter’s normal operating hours. The number to call is 954-974-6152.