Over 200 Cats Saved from a Residence in Manatee County

Key Information

• Event: Rescue of 204 cats in Manatee County, Florida
• Coordinating Agencies: Manatee County Animal Welfare, Manatee County Public Safety, and over nine partner organizations
• Health Status: Majority of cats in good health; only one required intensive medical attention
• Next Steps: Community urged to foster, adopt, and donate
• Contact Information: Visit mymanatee.org/pets or call 941-742-5933 for more information

The rescue operation in Manatee County was a collaborative effort involving Manatee County Animal Welfare, Manatee County Public Safety, and over nine partner organizations dedicated to animal rescue. The initiative was sparked when a local resident, who had been caring for an increasing number of stray cats, reached out for assistance.

Initially stemming from a place of compassion, the resident’s situation quickly escalated as the cat population grew uncontrolled due to a lack of spay and neutering services. The county acknowledged the resident’s cooperation and intent to do what was best for the animals involved.

“This was not about cruelty or neglect — it was about someone trying to do good who became overwhelmed,” elaborated Sarah Brown, 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.”

Remarkably, despite the large number of cats, most were found to be in good health and spirits. They had access to both indoors and outdoors, which played a crucial role in their well-being. Only one cat required intensive medical care for an eye issue, while the bulk were cleared for transport and adoption readiness.

The assessment and treatment of the cats were conducted on-site, thanks to the Southwest Florida Spay and Neuter Services, which performed surgeries using a mobile EMS unit in collaboration with Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW). This remarkable cooperation led to the safe rescue and transfer of 204 cats to shelters and rescues across Florida.

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

“Animal hoarding is a complex behavioral condition often rooted in mental health challenges,” explained Claribel Gill, MS, LAMP Counselor and Psychiatric Clinic Coordinator with Manatee County Government. “It’s important 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,” she added.

Following the rescue, the county and its partners are reaching out to the community for assistance with fostering, adopting, and making donations for the cats. These animals vary in age and personality, and many are friendly and social, seeking stable environments as they transition to their new lives.

While most of the cats were transferred to partner organizations, MCAW’s Palmetto Adoption Center still has 17 cats remaining that are best suited for barn cat placements. These cats, though healthy, possess a more independent temperament suitable for outdoor environments like barns or workshops where they can thrive.

“It’s remarkable how healthy the majority of these cats were when we arrived,” remarked Dr. Syna Johnson, medical director of Manatee County Animal Welfare. “Our medical team, alongside Southwest Florida Spay and Neuter Services, was able to perform dozens of surgeries on-site while our shelter’s staff managed any unstable cats in-house.”

How to Help:

• Foster or adopt a cat through Manatee County Animal Welfare or any participating rescues
• Donate to support ongoing medical care, food, and supplies
• Share this story to raise community awareness

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

A video detailing Friday’s rescue is available on the Manatee County Animal Welfare Facebook page.