In a bizarre and heartwarming turn of events in Harris, Minnesota, dozens of cats were found crammed into a car on one of the hottest days of the year. The story took an unexpected twist, leading to a happy ending for these feline friends.
As FOX-affiliate KMSP-TV reported, a concerned citizen alerted Chisago County police after spotting an alarming number of cats trapped in a car at a rest stop. Upon arrival, officials were astonished to discover a staggering 47 cats packed into the vehicle. It turned out that the owner, who had recently become homeless, couldn’t bear to part with his beloved pets and opted to keep them all in his car.
However, this makeshift arrangement led to “deplorable” conditions, prompting a rescue operation that required officers to wear gas masks. The situation unfolded on one of the hottest days, making the conditions inside the car unbearable for the cats.
Assisting the police in the rescue operation was the Animal Humane Society (AHS), whose members were on the ground, providing much-needed care to the distressed felines. The owner, after receiving medical attention, agreed to let the AHS take charge.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the cats were found to be in “relatively good health,” with common issues associated with high population density among animals, such as hair loss, thinning of hair, and injuries from interactions with other cats.
Ashley Pudas from the AHS shared, “Some hair loss going on, some thinning of the hair. As well as some injuries like lacerations, maybe puncture wounds, just from cats fighting each other, getting too close to each other.”
The cats, ranging from one to 12 years old, are now on the path to recovery. The AHS is actively raising funds for their care, with almost $13,000 already raised. An anonymous animal lover has pledged to match every dollar up to $25,000, ensuring a brighter future for these rescued fur balls.
