A clowder of seaworthy cats are ready to find new homes.
Manatee County Animal Welfare and the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit partnered April 16 to remove 23 cats from a vessel anchored near the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach.
Michael Strollo, communications coordinator for the county’s community and veteran services, told The Islander April 24 that multiple residents from the area had called into MCAW and the sheriff’s office to report seeing anywhere from 12-40 unattended cats aboard the vessel.
The agencies jointly responded to the reports by boating to the vessel, where MCAW officers found 29 cats aboard.
There is no state law preventing the housing of cats on marine vessels. However, officers found conditions inside the vessel were unsafe for the cats since it was hot and lacked ventilation, as well as unsanitary due to cat waste littered throughout the interior.
“It’s a sad situation of overcrowding or over-housing of animals,” Strollo said.
MCAW officers also found a note from the cats’ owner, who was not named by Strollo, that provided contact information and stated that the cats were being cared for.
The owner was contacted and told authorities they were dealing with housing instability but kayaked out to the vessel every day to feed and check on the cats.
Strollo said that after a conversation with MCAW officers about the conditions inside the vessel and the owner voluntarily surrendered 23 cats to the county.
The surrendered cats were loaded into pet carriers and transported to Bishop Animal Shelter SPCA, 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton, for evaluation, vaccination and preparation for adoption.
Strollo said a couple of the cats needed immediate veterinary care due to flea- and tick-related issues, but the surrendered cats were now healthy, sterilized and available for adoption.
The surrendered cats, ranging in age from 1 to 7 years old, can be adopted at Bishop and Manatee County Cat Town, 216 Sixth Ave. E., Bradenton, the MCAW’s feline-specific shelter.
Strollo said the MCAW also worked with the vessel’s owner to ensure the remaining six cats were healthy and stable. It also has offered to cover the cost of sterilization.
He encouraged people struggling with caring for their pets to contact MCAW.
“We encourage people if they’re overwhelmed to reach out because we really do have incredible resources,” Strollo said. “We have a pet pantry, where you can pick up food for no cost from our shelters.”
“We understand that surrendering a pet is not an easy decision to make. … But we’re here to help, not to judge,” he added.
People can learn more about adoptable pets up in Manatee County by visiting mymanatee.org/pets or calling 941-742-5933.