DOVER – Pope Memorial Humane Society – Cocheco Valley (PMHS-CV) is currently overwhelmed with an influx of cats, having recently assisted both local community members and shelters across the country.
Yesterday, PMHS-CV received an urgent call from one of the towns they contract with about a severe hoarding case. Upon arrival, the situation was worse than expected. Fortunately, with the help of local law enforcement and the fire department, they were able to enter the residence and save 13 cats. Due to the hazardous conditions inside, a few cats could not be safely caught at that time. The team is now working closely with the police to set up traps and find ways to rescue the remaining, more timid cats. Among those saved was a nursing mother and her less-than-a-week-old kitten. In an unexpected turn of events, another recently rescued cat went into labor this morning at the shelter. This cat came to the shelter with 17 others following a case PMHS-CV managed just days ago in another local community. These two large-scale cases came just days before the organization is scheduled to receive 22 cats from an out-of-state partner shelter in dire need.
Just a few days ago, Pope Memorial Humane Society-Cocheco Valley took in 18 cats from a local home after the owner reached out for assistance. Among the group, 13 are kittens under six months old, and all the cats will require spaying, neutering, and vaccinations. Two of the cats will need specialized care due to medical conditions, and all are extremely shy and under-socialized, requiring extra attention and patience from the shelter team and volunteers.
"As challenging as it is, we are grateful to have these animals in our care and appreciate the communities for reaching out,” said Niki D’Alessandro, Community Engagement Coordinator at PMHS-CV. “Our goal is to ensure these cats receive the medical care and socialization they need before finding loving homes.”
In addition to local surrenders, the shelter collaborated with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to take in a cat named Almond. Almond, just a year old, has already faced an extraordinary journey. Almond is one of 20 cats rescued from the Vietnam meat trade by the Humane Society of the United States in July. Having spent her first year in unimaginable conditions, Almond arrived at PMHS-CV after undergoing treatment for ringworm, which required weeks of isolation. Despite her challenging past, thanks to the help from HSUS, the team at PMHS-CV is dedicated to helping Almond learn to trust humans again and thrive in a foster home environment, ultimately making her adoptable.
Adding to the strain, Pope Memorial will be receiving 22 more cats and kittens this Friday, transported from an overcrowded shelter in Tulsa, Oklahoma. These cats range in age from nursing kittens to a senior cat aged 11 years old. Most of the older cats are unspayed or unneutered and will need extensive care, including vaccinations and medical evaluations.
PMHS-CV is on the brink, now responsible for an overwhelming 95 cats and kittens, with more arriving almost daily due to owner surrenders and urgent crises. The shelter is straining under the weight of 137 animals in total, a staggering number that shows no signs of slowing. Each new arrival pushes the shelter closer to its breaking point, as resources dwindle, and space becomes scarce. The situation is dire, and the relentless influx is testing the very limits of what the shelter can endure.
"The volume of intakes we’re facing is unprecedented," said Shelter Manager, Caryn Fugatt. "We are committed to giving these animals the care they need to thrive, but we are relying on community support to help us manage this overwhelming situation. We encourage those able to adopt, foster, or donate to help us provide the best care possible.”
The shelter urgently needs kitten food and litter to care for the large number of cats and kittens in its care. For more information or to donate, please visit popememorialcvhs.org or contact Pope Memorial Humane Society-Cocheco Valley at 603-749-5322.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Pope Memorial Humane Society - Cocheco Valley overwhelmed with an influx of cats
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