Just as staff were wrapping up for the day last Tuesday, we got a call from the Montréal police department. A family had way too many cats. The situation had become completely unmanageable, and they needed help. Fast.
Normally, we assess a situation and just bring back a few cats who need help, then go back for the others later. But this time, there was no waiting. We had to take them ALL. TONIGHT. NOW.
There was no hesitation. Our team rallied: even a few managers and a director grabbed every clean carrier they could find and hit the road.
Accompanied by police officers, we stepped into the tiny apartment, where the smell of urine and waste was overwhelming. Terrified and skittish, the cats didn’t make things easy*, but sweaty, sore and exhausted, we were loading up the last carrier a few hours later. All 29 cats were out. All alive. All safe.
They’re now resting in a clean, quiet space at the shelter. We’re giving them the time and care to heal and, hopefully, to trust again.
We also hope their humans all get the support they need to rebuild and move forward with dignity.
One thing is for sure: when unsterilized animals reproduce, things can spiral out of control fast. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, please:
reach out before it’s too late.
Cats raised in overcrowded homes are often fearful and stressed. They’re in constant competition for limited food, space and attention.
Plus, a lack of positive human contact during the critical early weeks of life makes them wary of people and resistant to handling. Add illness or pain to the mix, and even the gentlest human interaction can terrify them.
