URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – Champaign County Animal Control (CCAC) has been working around the clock to care for 30 cats taken from a hoarding situation last week. After additional medical assessment, CCAC has determined a few of the cats are pregnant, and one had pyometra – an abdominal infection that is being treated. Four additional cats were recovered after the initial 30 reported, which brings the total of cats rescued to 34.
All of the cats were treated – or are in the process of being treated – for parasites and/or fleas, or wounds from scratches or bites. Before any of them are available for adoption, they will all be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and have their ear tips clipped. One of the cats will deliver babies in the next 24-48 hours, and Dr. Reed at Champaign County Animal Control is closely monitoring her progress. Interim Animal Control Director Chelsea Angelo says CCAC will release the adoptable cats to the Champaign County Humane Society as soon as they are healthy enough to be adopted. “We are so happy to report that all of the cats were able to be saved and treated. While most of them are friendly and adoptable, several of the cats are deemed “feral” and will be adopted to local farms. They will be well cared for by local families. The rest of them will be healthy and make great pets!”
The lone bird that was rescued with the cats was pronounced healthy and sent to an aviary rescue agency up north.
Caring for rescued animals is expensive, especially when multiple cats are brought in with health issues. Administrators at Champaign County set up a Go Fund Me page to help pay for their care; the initial goal was met. However, their ongoing care requires more time and resources, and the donation link is still live here. Any additional funds raised will go towards the medical costs of the kittens and assist with all the animals they house. CCAC is so grateful to everyone that has contributed to the fundraiser so far, and the future funds will continue to treat the cats, as well as assist in the additional food and litter costs hoarding cases incur.
The cats were discovered on November 22 by Champaign County Animal Control in southwest Champaign after an alert by the Champaign Police Department. They had been summoned to the address while investigating another criminal matter. The owner has been charged with cruelty to animals and has a tentative court appearance in January 2025.