Brandywine Valley SPCA receives 30 cats from Florida shelters ahead of Hurricane Milton

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Brandywine Valley SPCA in West Chester took in 30 cats from shelters in Florida Wednesday night, hours before Hurricane Milton walloped the Sunshine State.

The cats were relocated to make space for displaced animals in Florida, and they are now available for adoption here.

“By taking those animals, we can then open up space for the local rescues and shelters in Florida or in the devastated areas to then be able to focus on that emergency response of rounding up any stray animals that may have been out on the street or left behind,” said Sara Smith, BVSPCA spokesperson.

“We are just glad that we were able to say yes and have the space to take these animals in.”

The cats were already in the shelter system in Florida, so they were immediately made available for adoption at the BVSPCA’s West Chester campus.

“Just like many shelters [and] organizations across the country, Brandywine Valley SPCA and our affiliates are low on space,” said Smith. “We were able to bring in these cats and hopefully more animals when the time comes, but it really depends on the community. So folks that want to help, now is the time to adopt.”

To help free up space, the BVSPCA is waving adoption fees now through Oct. 19 for large adult dogs and adult cats at all BVSPCA campuses and shelter affiliates.

Donations and those who can foster pets are encouraged as well.