Homes are being sought for 50 fluffy pussy-cats found cramped together in appalling conditions in a flat following the death of an expatriate occupier who was believed to have been breeding them.
An animal rescue volunteer was called to the premises after being alerted by a friend of the late owner who was struggling to deal with the situation in Jid Ali.
Rescat’s Adriana Oropeza said she was overwhelmed by the stench of cat urine before even stepping through the door. “There was a really strong and bad smell,” the Mexican expatriate volunteer said.
“The first thing I noticed was that the flat had been divided into two parts, one part where the owner lived, and the other where a total of 53 cats were kept in a cramped space. Most of them were just kittens.
“I was also speechless when I saw the horrendous conditions the animals were being kept in. There was not enough food, let alone cat litter.
“There were cockroaches on the walls and the animals themselves were not neutered so the adults were reproducing out of control.”
After seeing how desperate the situation was, Ms Oropeza and Rescat, in collaboration with international charity Clan McCat Scotland and the unregistered Bahrain Animal Rescue Centre (BARC), began a joint rescue operation.
BARC donated food and litter for the cats and, to date, a total of 37 cats have been rescued and provided with veterinary care.
“Originally, we wanted to prioritise saving the ones that were in the worst condition,” Ms Oropeza added, “but honestly, it was very difficult to determine which they were, due to how bad the overall situation was.
“Many of the cats were suffering from ear and eye infections and others needed critical care. Hopefully, by Sunday, we will be able to get the remaining cats out of this situation.”
Animals lovers have stepped forward to help cover veterinary bills and they are now actively looking for people to foster the animals before ‘forever homes’ can be found.
The cats are a Persian/Ragdoll mix, popular with families for their cuddly cuteness and bright behaviour.
The authorities are also investigating the background to the case, the animal rescuers state.
- For more information on how to help, contact rescatcharity.com, or via social media @rescatofficial, @barc.adoptions and @clan_mccat_scotland.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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