91 cats surrendered from Massachusetts home, some available for adoption

Thirty-two cats living in a single Massachusetts home were surrendered to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm on Feb. 22 after their overwhelmed owner could no longer care for them, prompting a call for donations from shelter officials concerned about the level of medical care they will require before being placed into new homes.

Veterinary exams performed at Nevins Farm revealed that all 32 cats, save for three, were suffering from upper respiratory infections, and all had painful, itchy ear mites as well as periodontal disease.

“Moreover, the majority [of the cats] have experienced severe, irreversible eye changes as a result of untreated infections—including eyelids adhered to corneas and old ulcers, and some are missing at least one eye,” said Meaghan O’Leary, director of operations for the MSPCA at Nevins Farm.

The cats were voluntarily surrendered from a home in Tewksbury. Their previous owner’s identity has not been revealed.

The cats’ medical care needs are expected to reach $10,000 and Nevins Farm officials hope donors may step forward to help offset the cost of this care. Anyone wishing to donate can do so via www.mspca.org/cats.

O’Leary answered the call for help from Tewksbury Animal Control, who were first on the scene. “This is a case where one of the owners had died and the surviving spouse just could not take care of all these cats, especially as their health issues got more serious, and [he] was desperate for help,” she said.

“We’re fortunate to be able to help in these situations, and our sole intention is to help the cats heal and then place them into loving homes.”

The cats range in age from six months to about 10 years. A further 59 cats living in the home were directed to other humane agencies as well as Tewksbury Animal Control.

On Wednesday, it was announced that 13 cats have cleared their medical exams – and are now up for adoption. The remaining cats still need LOTS of care: From dental and eye procedures to respiratory infection treatment.

Would-be adopters will be able to apply at mspca.org/nevinsadopt.