51 Cats Rescued From Hoarding Situation In Bucks County

PERKASIE, PA — Fifty-one cats have been rescued from a hoarding situation in Bucks County, according to the Bucks County SPCA.

This week, 14 cats were removed from a Perkasie apartment after they were left behind following an eviction. Humane law enforcement officers from the SPCA were on the scene to collect the cats and transport them to the Quakertown shelter, SPCA officials said.

According to the SPCA, the owner managed to take 37 cats with her when she left the property, including a mother cat with her newborn kittens. On Wednesday morning, the owner drove to the Quakertown shelter with the 37 cats and kittens.

After discussion with staff, the owner agreed to surrender all 51 animals.

According to the SPCA, the shelter’s staff worked fast to comfortably house the animals and assess their medical needs. Each was examined by a veterinarian. Healthy cats were neutered and moved into the adoption room by Wednesday night.

Cats suffering from upper respiratory and other illnesses are being treated and will remain at
the shelter or in the care of trained foster volunteers until they can be readied for adoption. One cat needed emergency surgery and is now recovering at the clinic.

While a large influx of animals puts an incredible strain on the shelter and its staff, BCSPCA officials said gaining custody through the cooperation of the owner is a significant source of relief. This means the animals can more quickly be placed for adoption than if BCSPCA had taken legal action to gain custody.

“We are optimistic that these cats will recover and find homes where they can be properly cared for,” said BCSPCA Executive Director Linda Reider. “Animal hoarding cases are complex and heartbreaking. People may start out with good intentions, but their inability to see and address the needs of the animals under their care can lead to serious cases of neglect. It is awful for the animals who live in filthy crowded conditions, suffering from untreated illnesses. Thankfully, in this case the owner eventually made the right decision, and the cats could be helped. We wish people would accept help sooner to alleviate needless suffering.”

BCSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Officers were already investigating the situation after receiving complaints of neglect, but they had been unable to gain entry to the property, said BCSPCA officials. After the eviction, they were able to access the apartment and rescue the cats who were left behind.

The community can help by adopting animals from the BCSPCA’s shelters in Quakertown and Lahaska, and by donating financial gifts or needed supplies like cat litter and food. Visit buckscountyspca.org to learn more.

If you have too many animals to care for, reach out to your local shelter for help. If you suspect animals in Bucks County are being neglected or abused, contact BCSPCA’s tip line at 844-SPCA TIP (844-772-2847) or online at buckscountyspca.org/report-cruelty.