Shelter Overwhelmed After 18 Cats Abandoned in Plastic Tubs

A Missouri animal shelter faced a challenge when 18 cats were abandoned outside in two large plastic tubs earlier last week. The containers were left across the road from the Stray Rescue of St. Louis facility, sparking concern in the community.

A nearby resident witnessed the incident. “A man saw someone out of his window dropping the totes off and pulling away,” shared Natalie Thomson of Stray Rescue. Acting quickly, the neighbor noticed air holes in the containers, transported one to the shelter, and returned for the second. Inside the tubs were eight older kittens, two adult cats, and eight tiny, nursing kittens.

Despite the alarming situation, the cats were in good health. “We were so nervous opening the lids,” Thomson said, reflecting the staff’s initial fears. Already operating at full capacity, the shelter soon received even more animals when a mother cat and her kitten were left in their lobby, bringing their total new intake to 20 in just one hour.

Stray Rescue immediately turned to social media, asking the community for help. The response was overwhelming, with foster families stepping up to care for the animals. The cats will stay with their foster families until they can be spayed or neutered and adopted into permanent homes.

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Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal.

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