Animal welfare officials boarded the vessel and managed to take the majority of the cats to shore – but some defiant moggies refused to leave their anchored home
An abandoned sail boat was found taken over by more than 40 cats and kittens. The vessel was found anchored off Owen Beach in Washington, USA, by local police responding to reports of improper lighting.
The officers found over 40 felines living in crowded “unsafe conditions” on the small boat. The force coordinated with Animal Control and the department’s Forensics Unit to safely remove the animals with 31 transported to a local animal charity.
However, around 10 to 14 of the seafaring kitties refused to leave their ship with Animal Control. Locals were shocked at hearing about the stranded felines. “That’s incredible, just such a surprise, how did they get on there,” said Jesse Molloy.
Last week, a number of cats were seen laying on the boat’s topside as the authorities told of the “challenges” the vessel presents. “Unlike a normal case, we do need assistance with getting out there [by boat], and then there’s the challenge of the boat itself, pretty close quarters, and because it is a sail boat there’s a lot of nooks and crannies for cats to hide in,” said Cheri Page with Tacoma Animal Control.
She added that the cats were in good condition apart from an infestation of fleas. “They have been clearly fed and watered, but they’ve been on that boat for some time,” Page said before saying they were probably on the boat for months.
Animal Control said they have tried to contact the owner but haven’t received a response as the investigation continues.
Page highlighted the case as a reminder for those who find themselves in an overwhelming situation with animals to reach out for help.
She said: “People and start with just a few cats and they’re not spayed or neutered, and unfortunately they do what cats do, and make more cats. That’s why at Tacoma Animal Control, we really emphasize that you spay and neuter your cats, and dogs.”