Cat Collector Tragedy
It’s happened again, this time in a neighboring community. Complaints from neighbors prompted the police to remove 209 cats and three dogs from a local two-story home.
Waste was stacked several feet in some areas, and the officials found 40 cats in one bedroom. According the property owner, they started with just 13 cats. It quickly got out of hand, he said.
This situation can happen so easily to well-meaning, cat-loving people! We all want to take proper care of our cats, and to save cats’ lives. Sadly, when it gets out of hand and you can’t stay ahead of the hygiene, spay/neuter, feeding, and all other issues, it risks the lives of those very cats we wanted to save.
The definition of a cat collector (or hoarder) is a person who isn’t able to care for the cats they currently have, but continues to take on more cats. She often plans to adopt out rescues, but then can’t bear to part with them. I use “she” because most cat collectors are women.
People can and do keep multiple cats without being collectors. These folks know each cat by name, get them regular veterinary care, provide a hygienic and safe place for the cats to live, and recognize their limitations--when to say “no” to one-more-cat.
If you feel overwhelmed or know somebody who might need help, seek help from local animal welfare organizations, or ask your veterinarian for guidance. Cat Collecting has been characterized as potentially a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder and counseling may help.
It’s too late for the local family. Their cats were confiscated, the healthy ones re-homed, the ill cats euthanized--and they are prohibited from having cats as pets for the time being. That’s a tragedy on so many levels.
Recent Posts
Celebrating St. Patrick's Day with your Pets
WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPIONS: Monroe and Buckeye
Introducing Caplin: The World's Largest Rodent
Loyal Canine Rescues Drowning Kitty
Shakti: The Cat that Lived Up to her Name
"You're Fat": Vet Hits Me With Hard Truth
The Cat who Owns an R.V.: Luxurious Travel
Lazy Dog Owner Arrested for Walking His Dog
WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION: Gizmo the Papillon Puppy
Petside: Get Started
-
- Find a Breed
Browse dog and cat breeds to find your perfect pal.
-
- Diagnose a Condition
Use PetVet to research what's ailing your pet.
-
- Locate a Hospital
- Find the nearest accredited animal hospital.
-
- Puppy Life
Register with Puppy Life to get the most for your puppy.
Specials
Check out these deals picked by petside.com just for you!
Comments (0)
add your comment