More docile than first thought, the 80-plus cats that have been part of an emergency intake at the Emporia Animal Shelter were still in bad physical shape when they were removed from an Emporia home this week.
Emporia veterinarian Dr. Floyd Dorsey has been overseeing the medical care for the animals. He was pleasantly surprised there weren’t many viral infections amongst the cats. The flea and maggot infestation? That’s a different story.
Two more cats were found Thursday, meaning 83 surviving cats and two dogs were in the house. The next step is to vaccinate, de-flea and de-worm the cats. Dorsey says most of the cats should make good, adoptable pets once they are medically cleared.
It’s the biggest emergency intake on record for the Emporia Animal Shelter, but Dorsey says cases like this are more common than a lot of people might think. In fact, he says Wednesday’s rescue probably wouldn’t be Dorsey’s top 10 for pet rescue numbers through his career.
The Emporia Animal Shelter is still accepting financial donations to help with the veterinary bills — and Dorsey is urging residents to donate money so the pets can have the best food available as they recover. The Animal Shelter, meanwhile, is also asking residents to donate litter boxes. There have been a lot of food and litter donations, and those won’t be turned away, but litter boxes are now the most immediate need.
As the pets continue receiving medical care, there has been no word on official charges through Emporia Municipal Court. Police Capt. Scott Stormont says officers were called to 887 West Fifth because of a large number of cats inside. After contacting the owner, 53-year-old Mariah Holloway, officers then found what they thought was at least 50 cats in “deplorable conditions.” Dorsey says those cleaning the house will have to fumigate first and take other precautions because the surviving fleas will be looking for a “blood meal” and will attack whoever goes inside.
Humane Society of the Flint Hills Director Stephanie Achille will join KVOE’s 8:05 am newscast with an update on the emergency intake and upcoming adoption events.
