Dozens of cats have been rescued after they were found living in a car in hot temperatures.
Their owner had become homeless but did not want to give them up. He initially had 61 cats but realised he could not cope so handed 14 of them over.
Ashley Pudas, investigator for the Animal Humane Society, said: ‘Unfortunately, with the heat yesterday he recognized that it was above and beyond what he was capable of at this time. And he let us help them out.’
They added that he never left the cats alone and had been living with them in south-eastern Minnesota for some time.
The organisation said: ‘Sweltering June heat and humidity. No home, no air conditioning. Living inside your car alongside your cats and unsure where to turn.
‘This was the reality a community member faced yesterday when a concerned police officer knocked on their car window.’
Most of the cats suffered only minor medical problems from the conditions they were living in.
The owner’s vehicle was parked on Interstate 35 near Harris, which is roughly 50 miles north of Minneapolis.
The society added: ‘Our Humane Investigations agents worked quickly and carefully to bring all four dozen animals back to AHS.
‘Ranging in ages from just under a year to 12 years old, our expert veterinarians have just started examining each cat, providing vaccinations, balanced nutrition, specialized behavioral rehabilitation, and spay/neuter surgery.
‘Today, 47 cats are finally experiencing what it’s like to have their own space in which to sleep, play, and eat. This is just the beginning of their second chance but it’s 47 second chances we can promise.’
The cats will be sterilized and put up for adoption, officials said. The humane society is accepting donations to help take care of the felines in the meantime.
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