In a press release on Thursday, the Tacoma and Pierce County Humane Society announced its resources were being stretched thin after acquiring 101 cats and kittens that Animal Control seized from a local home.
The organization said its new furry tenants arrived just weeks after 61 cats were rescued from a boat in Owen Beach, bringing the total number of cats under its care to over 500, including those at the shelter and in foster homes before the two large rescues.
According to the statement, the shelter has had to set up temporary housing to accommodate the animals and is asking community members who can donate supplies to the shelter.
According to the organization in its statement, below are several ways community members can assist:
Sign Up to Foster: Due to the high in-shelter population, the most effective form of relief is through fostering. The organization will provide all necessary materials to care for foster pets, including food, toys, blankets, litter/litter boxes, and medical care. We ask that fosters live within Pierce County or within 25 miles of the shelter.
Donate Supplies: We are seeking donations of the following supplies to continue to provide for the cats and other animals currently in our care, as well as those continuing to enter our care. The recent influx of cats has created an especially urgent need for the following items:
- Bath towels
- Hand towels
- Fleece blankets
- Paper towels
- Newspaper
Donations can be dropped off at the shelter located at 2608 Center St. in Tacoma during open hours, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily.
The following specialty in-demand items can be purchased directly from our Amazon and/or Chewy wish lists and shipped directly to the shelter:
Financial donations allow us to stock up on the exact supplies we need, when we need them. Donate now.
The organization closed its statement by reminding locals that when pet owners have multiple unaltered cats, a situation can “escalate quickly,” resulting in a person finding themselves with many more animals than they can reasonably take care of.
The City of Tacoma’s household pet limit is six animals.
Tacoma Humane offers early intervention support, including Spay/Neuter vouchers to participating veterinary clinics and a Pet Food & Supply Pantry for income-qualifying community members.