52 Cats and Kittens Rescued From Unsanitary Local Home By Pasadena Humane

Pasadena Humane Animal Control Officers rescued 52 cats and kittens from a single home this week, the nonprofit reported Thursday.

The cats were found living in unsanitary conditions inside the home and in a crawl space underneath the house, according to a statement.

During the two-day operation, animal control officers and Pasadena Humane staff worked to safely remove the cats from the house. Due to the conditions in the home, staff wore personal protective equipment and respirators.

The cats were transported back to the shelter, where they were set up in clean kennels with food, water, and fresh bedding.

The majority of the cats are suffering from symptoms of upper respiratory and ear infections, but are in overall stable condition, Pasadena Humane officials said.

The cats are now under the supervision of a veterinarian and are being provided with needed medical care.

“I am relieved that the cats are now safe and receiving the care they need,” said Dia DuVernet, President & CEO of Pasadena Humane. “The cats arrived just in time for us to find each one a home for the holidays.”

DuVernet told Pasadena Now that Pasadena Humane has been working with the city to try to connect the homeowner to support resources, “to get the help that she needs.”

But Durvernet said Pasadena Humane’s focus right now is on the cats and the well-being of the animals and trying to make sure they get the care they need, and that they find loving homes.

Most of the cats are now available for adoption and have been given holiday-themed names — like Jolly, Merry and Jingle —to help find them homes. The newly dubbed “Christmas Cats” will be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before going to their new homes.

“We are counting on the support of the community to help us find homes for the cats,” said DuVernet. “If you are able to open your heart and home this holiday season, please consider adopting one of the Christmas Cats.”

Pasadena Humane is hosting a Winter Wonderland cat adoption event on Saturday, December 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“All cats that are six months and older will have a reduced adoption fee, 50% of our regular fee of a hundred dollars. So the cats six months and older will be $50,” DuVernet said. “And this is an open adoption event, so no appointments are necessary and we hope people will come out and give these kittens and cats homes for the holidays.”

Pasadena Humane has also set up an online donation page for anyone that can help. Moved to action by the story of the Christmas Cats, generous donor Nancy Plamann has stepped forward to match gifts—dollar for dollar—up to $15,000, through Sunday, December 19. Donations can be made at give.pasadenahumane.org/cats.

To learn more about the cats, visit pasadenahumane.org.