On Nov. 5, a fire demolished a barn on County Road 52.
In that fire, 10 cows perished. At the time, there were also approximately 30 cats living in the barn and 15 perished.
The Upper Credit Humane Society has trapped and euthanized three that were badly burned and two others have been cared for.
Volunteer Judith-Anne Kolu said the remaining traumatized cats are homeless, skittish and very frightened. The extent of their injuries until they are trapped are unknown; some of them are likely in extreme pain and they are hiding with burnt faces, fur, paws and other injuries.
She said the rate of infection is setting in rapidly and the society is endeavoring to capture them so they do not die a slow and painful death if left untreated or uneuthanized.
Adding to the problem is winter is arriving and the remaining injured cats have no place to live.
Once trapped by the UCHS, each cat is assessed by a veterinarian and if it can be saved it will be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, treated with antibiotics, given food and temporary shelter.
The cats are not domesticated and need to be relocated to another barn when one becomes available.
The average cost to trap and treat each rescued cat is approximately $300 and the society is seeking donations to help cover the unexpected cost.
The UCHS exists on charitable donations, and it needs help.
“We stepped in to help a member of our community who was devastated by the barn fire losses – can you help us?” Kolu asked.
Donations of gas cards, the loan of a spare live trap, help with time and fuel for transportation are all needed as soon as possible.
“Above all we are seeking a nicely heated, secure barn for a permanent residence for the survivors, she said”
Anyone who wants to contribute in any way can call the senior animal care coordinator and supervisor at the shelter at 519-833-2287 or monetary donations should be marked “Barn cat rescue.”
