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Starving, Frail Cats Rescued from Hoarding Situation

Posted on Dec. 15, 2020Oct. 6, 2025

12/10/2020 UPDATE:

Newton Case Update

FROM 11/4/2020

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It just keeps happening.

For the second time in three weeks, the Animal Rescue League is in the process of taking in multiple cats from horrific conditions in central Iowa.

And this time, the cats were not only living in filth, they were on the brink of starvation.

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Abandoned by their owner in a house covered in feces, they were left with no food and no water. The cats that have arrived so far are literally skin and bones, with body conditions ranging from very thin to emaciated.

The frailest of the cats, an adult, weighs just 3.8 pounds.

All are also suffering from fleas, ear mites and roundworms, and all arrived at the ARL so dehydrated they needed immediate subcutaneous fluids.

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While the cats currently in our care are now stable and comfortable, there are still more cats in the house. We expect to receive a total of at least 15 cats from this property, but it could be many more, since an unknown number are hiding in the walls inside the home.

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Sadly, help did not come in time for some of the cats. Authorities found two recently deceased cats on the property and the remains of others inside the house. The rescue and investigation are ongoing and the cats need your help NOW.

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These cats and the others still inside the house will need weeks of care as they recover and safely regain their weight, and our team is committed to helping them. But with so many cats in our care from recent rescues, on top of the 11 exotic birds we rescued last week, we need your help now more than ever.

Your one-time donation to our Miracle Medical Fund will help provide care for these cats and your monthly donation will help every animal who will arrive at our doors in need of a miracle in the months to come — and every donation you make between now and midnight Thursday will be quadrupled. That means your donation will have four times the impact on the lives of these cats and others in need!

So please give now to help them heal. To give them hope. To be their miracle.

P.S., When you donate today to help these cats or enroll in our Loyal Friends Club monthly giving program, you’ll be automatically enrolled to receive exclusive updates on their progress and your gift will be QUADRUPLED!

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The Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc. is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law, tax identification number 42-0680427.

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