This story was submitted by Lindsey Heaney from our shelter friend, the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, which saves pets’ lives in the Tacoma, Washington area. The Animal Rescue Site is proud to share their stories. You can learn more about their work here!

On December 15, the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County began taking in around 50 cats and kittens from an overwhelmed community member. As of December 29, the shelter had taken in 20 cats, from newborns to adults, with more coming in every week.

PHOTO: HUMANE SOCIETY FOR TACOMA & PIERCE COUNTY

The kittens that have arrived are covered in fleas, and many are underweight. All of the cats that have arrived so far have upper respiratory infections, and some have such severe eye discharge that their eyelids are crusted shut. The shelter’s veterinary staff are providing the cats constant care with antibiotics, fluids, eye treatment, nose drops, and high-calorie nutritious food. Due to the severity of the infections, the shelter's veterinary team is monitoring their condition to determine if surgical eye removal is needed.

This isn't the shelters' only recent intake of a large amount of cats in urgent need. On November 30, the shelter started taking in around 40 cats and kittens that were found living in the same home. The cats were given spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, flea treatments, microchips, medical evaluations, and placement.

PHOTO: HUMANE SOCIETY FOR TACOMA & PIERCE COUNTY

The shelter continues to provide much-needed medical treatment and care for these neglected and abandoned pets. Thanks to a concerned friend of the shelter, all donations up to $50,000 were also set to be triple-matched until December 31. To find out how to help, visit the shelter's website.

This story was submitted by Lindsey Heaney from our shelter friend the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County in Tacoma, Washington. Learn more about them here!

PHOTO: HUMANE SOCIETY FOR TACOMA & PIERCE COUNTY