Four cats meowing loudly and desperately reaching their paws through the bars of a wire kennel.That was the first thing our ARL Animal Services officer saw when responding to a call about multiple cats trapped inside an abandoned van.
The cats were thin, wet and hungry. But when she looked closer, she saw something even more horrific – 3 deceased cats in the same kennel. It was absolutely heartbreaking.
The cats had no food or water and the wire bars on their kennel showed signs of their frantic pawing to get out. Everything and every cat in the kennel was covered in feces and urine.
These cats needed help, and they needed it fast. Our Animal Services officer rushed the cats to our Miracle Medical Team at the ARL.
The surviving cats were all very thin – weighing only 4 to 6 pounds each – and were suffering from upper respiratory infections, fleas and ear mites. We immediately gave them subcutaneous fluids for dehydration. They ate ravenously when we fed them. We began medical treatments and got them set up in clean, comfortable kennels for their first night of safety in a long time.
These cats are lucky to be alive and have a long road ahead, but your support will give them hope.
At this time of year, it’s even more heartbreaking to see animals starving, sick and suffering.
Your donation – one-time or monthly – will allow us to continue to be there for these cats and others like them who desperately need help, love, and a second chance. And right now you also have an opportunity to make an even bigger difference. Now through Giving Tuesday on Nov. 29, your gift will be tripled, thanks to a generous donor.
Give now to make 3X the difference in these cats’ lives. With your help, these cats will never again know the horrors they suffered, and once they have healed they’ll have the chance to find the loving homes they deserve.
P.S.: Two Des Moines residents – Cheryl Lewis, 44, and Christopher Lester, 51, have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal neglect in this case.
