Of the 45 cats rescued from a hoarding situation May 16, 28 were too ill to be saved and were euthanized Thursday, according to Bob Downey, Capital Humane Society executive director.
The remaining 17 cats, along with a rabbit, three finches and two beta fish, will be available for adoption.
On May 16, animal control and Lincoln police removed dozens of cats, other animals and 13 cages of tarantulas -- as well as 10 dead kittens -- from Autumn Rupert’s home in the 1000 block of South 14th Street. To date, no charges have been filed against Rupert.
In August 2011, Animal Control took 29 cats, 24 mice, 20 fish, nine rats, three birds and a gerbil from inside the Y Street house she was renting.
Of the 17 surviving cats rescued last week, eight remain at the Capital Humane Society where they will be available for adoption around June 1.
People are also reading…
Another six cats -- three kittens and three young adults -- were taken in by All Feline Hospital, 2300 S. 48th St. No. 3, where they are undergoing medical treatment for upper respiratory and dental issues. Once healthy, they will be available for adoption through All Feline Hospital, said Monica O’Hara, practice manager.
Three cats are at The Cat House, 3633 O St., where they too are being treated for upper respiratory issues, and will eventually be available for adoption.
Downey said the euthanized cats suffered from a variety of serious health issues including upper respiratory infections, feline leukemia, tumors, gingivitis and stomatitis (an incurable and often fatal dental disease).
Feline leukemia is a highly contagious and deadly virus spread to other cats through saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, bites, mutual grooming and mother’s milk to nursing kittens.
“Every cat in that house was exposed to feline leukemia,†Downey said.
The eight cats available for adoption at the humane society, have tested negative for the disease, but must be retested in 60 days, he said.
Because of the exposure, the cats are being kept at the humane society’s Admissions and Assessment Center, at 2320 Park Blvd., not the Pieloch Adoption Center. All are classified as special needs -- meaning they will require special care for the remainder of their lives.
“They cannot be outdoor cats. Period. They have to be indoor cats exclusively,†Downey said.
And potential adopters who have other cats at home, should consult with their veterinarian before bringing one of the rescued cats into their home.
O’Hara said the six cats at All Feline Hospital are in fair health, and are very friendly.
“We are determined they are all going to find good homes,†O’Hara said.
Speaking of homes -- all of the tarantulas found one with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s entomology department, Downey said.