Stephanie the 'Feral Cat' Moves to Animal Sanctuary

The wandering cat that closed an Anne Arundel County elementary school is now being cared for by an animal rescue group that plans to find a forever home for Stephanie.

The cat set off motion sensors in Richard Henry Lee Elementary School in Glen Burnie on Aug. 28, and eluded capture, so classes were canceled the next day. For some reason, Stephanie ignored the food and water left out for her, according to Anne Arundel County Public Schools, and searches of the building showed no signs of the animal. But, teachers found cat fur and urine in a classroom supply closet Tuesday morning, and animal control officials were finally able to capture her in hiding.

The scared and hungry feline was first taken to Anne Arundel County Animal Control headquarters for monitoring and evaluation.

Although Stephanie is still very scared, rescue workers say she moved Friday to Rude Ranch Animal Rescue’s sanctuary in Harwood, where she will finish her quarantine. During this time Stephanie will also receive medical care, vaccinations and will be spayed so she is ready for adoption.

“We want to make sure she is healthy and has no lasting damage from being trapped without food or water for several days,” says Katherine Evans Rude, president of Rude Ranch. “Once we’ve ensured she’s healthy, we will find her a home.”

For more information about Stephanie and Rude Ranch Animal Rescue, call 410.798.9559 or email info@RudeRanch.org.

»Stephanie, the cat that made a home in a Glen Burnie elementary school, will soon be up for adoption. Credit: Rude Ranch Animal Rescue.