On October 28, the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department rescued a herd of cats that had been abandoned in a broken‑down school bus near the Loma Linda Community Center. The animals were later turned over to the Española Humane Society, which is now caring for 14 of the cats and preparing them for adoption.
Health and recovery
According to Maddie Allen, director of communications and programs at Española Humane, the majority of the cats at the shelter are adults, though a few are kittens. Several of the kittens are battling upper‑respiratory infections, and two adult cats required eye surgery – one lost both eyes and another lost one eye. Both cats are recovering well and are expected to live comfortably indoors without ongoing medical needs.
Allen emphasized that the cats are “surprisingly healthy and surprisingly social,” noting that none appear feral or semi‑social. The shelter is treating the entire group for Giardia, an intestinal parasite found in several of the animals, and is working to bring each cat up to date on vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick medication, as well as spaying or neutering.
Adoption process
While the shelter’s dedicated cat‑adoption room is currently full, prospective adopters will be able to meet the rescued cats in an alternate area of the facility. Interested families can submit an adoption application online or in person at the shelter.
Allen warned that taking in a large number of animals at once places a “massive strain” on any shelter’s resources, from intake paperwork to medical care. She encouraged community members to support the effort by donating cat food, toys, towels, blankets, or monetary contributions.
How to help
Residents of Española and surrounding areas who wish to assist can contact the shelter directly for donation drop‑off details or to arrange a visit. By providing a safe, loving environment for these rescued cats, the community helps ensure that each animal finds a permanent, caring home.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
