More than 200 Siamese Cats Saved from Residence in Manatee County, According to Authorities

Key Information

• Location: Manatee County, FL
• Cats Rescued: 204 Siamese and Siamese-mix cats
• Cooperating Agencies: Manatee County Animal Welfare, Public Safety, and over nine animal rescue organizations
• Health Status: Most cats were in good health; only one required intensive medical attention
• Adoption Readiness: Most cats cleared for adoption; 17 remaining for barn cat placement
• Contact Info: Manatee County Animal Welfare: 941-742-5933
• Website: mymanatee.org/pets

In a recent coordinated effort, over 200 Siamese and Siamese-mix cats were rescued from a residence in Manatee County, according to local officials. The collaboration involved Manatee County Animal Welfare, Public Safety, and more than nine local animal rescue organizations.

The operation began when the resident, who had been feeding a growing number of stray cats, reached out for assistance. The county noted that while the initial act was well-intentioned, the population quickly spiraled due to a lack of spay-and-neuter interventions.

Authorities stated that the resident fully cooperated and genuinely wanted the best for the cats involved. “This was not about cruelty or neglect — it was about someone trying to do good who became overwhelmed,” said Sarah Brown, the director of Community & Veterans Services. “We’re proud of the quick and humane response from our team and partners, and we’re especially thankful to the resident for seeking help.”

Interestingly, despite the large number, most cats were reported to be in good health and spirits, freely roaming between the home and outdoors. Only one cat needed more intensive medical attention, primarily due to an eye issue. The majority have been cleared for transfer to local rescues and shelters, making them adoption-ready.

On-site assessments and medical treatments were performed by Southwest Florida Spay and Neuter Services, utilizing a mobile EMS unit in collaboration with Manatee County Animal Welfare. This collective effort enabled the safe rescue and transfer of all 204 cats across various shelters and rescues in Florida.

The participating rescue organizations included:

• Gulf Coast Humane Society
• Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue
• Cat Depot
• Humane Society of Manatee County
• Humane Society of Sarasota County
• Cape Coral Animal Shelter
• Furry Friends Humane Society
• SPCA Tampa Bay
• All Kitty Korner

Claribel Gill, an MS and LAMP counselor with the county, addressed the complexities surrounding animal hoarding. “Animal hoarding is a complex behavioral condition often rooted in mental health challenges,” she stated. “It’s crucial for the public to understand that hoarding is not about malice — it’s typically driven by a deep emotional attachment and a genuine desire to help, even when the situation becomes unmanageable. If you notice a loved one or friend exhibiting these behaviors, gently recommend professional assistance with a caring, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach.”

While most of the social cats found new partners for adoption, 17 remain at the MCAW’s Palmetto Adoption Center. These cats, although healthy, possess a more independent temperament that makes them suited for barn placements, thriving in safe outdoor environments such as barns, warehouses, or workshops.

DVM Syna Johnson, the Medical Director of Manatee County Animal Welfare, commented on the health status of the cats: “It’s remarkable how healthy the majority of these cats were when we arrived. Our medical team—alongside Southwest Florida Spay and Neuter Services—was able to perform dozens of surgeries on-site using a mobile EMS unit, while our shelter’s medical staff triaged and received any unstable cats in-house.”

For more information or to get involved, please visit mymanatee.org/pets or contact Manatee County Animal Welfare at 941-742-5933.