Fancy felines, 51 of them, turned over to shelter
(MSPCA Photo)
This ailing Himalayan was one of those turned over to the shelter yesterday.
By Globe Staff
It was raining cats and dogs yesterday at the MSPCA animal adoption facility in Methuen. Actually, mostly cats.
MSPCA officials say a Merrimack Valley woman brought in 51 exotic cats and kittens, including breeds like the Rag Doll, Sphynx, Devon Rex, Himalayan, and Munchkin.
MSPCA spokesman Brian Adams said the woman had been breeding cats and “got in over her head.” She turned them over yesterday.
A number of the animals have an upper respiratory infection and they are all being evaluated for any other illnesses, Adams said.
“We’re going to do everything we can to help these cats along,” he said.
Adams said people can’t adopt any of the animals while they’re being evaluated. But he urged members of the public to adopt some of the other cats at the shelter.
“You can’t foster these cats, but please stop by and foster some other cats, because 51 cats takes up a lot of room,” he said.
Adams said people who want more information on the 51 cats can check for updates on the MSPCA‘s website. Some of the cats may be worth as much as $1,000.
Adams said that under the surrender agreement, the MSPCA wasn’t going to name the woman and neither would it press charges.
He said the MSPCA was a resource for animal owners and would keep in touch with the woman, in case she needs help again.
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