23 Cats Rescued From Unsafe Conditions Aboard Boat Anchored At FL Boat Ramp

HOLMES BEACH, FL — Manatee County Animal Welfare officers rescued 23 cats aboard a boat anchored near the King Fish Boat Ramp last week, according to a news release from the county.

When officers arrived, they found the boat was unsafe for the cats because of “extreme heat, poor ventilation and unsanitary conditions caused by the number of animals onboard,” the county said. “Though food had been provided, the overall environment posed serious health and safety risks for the animals.”

The cats’ owners, who are facing housing instability, had been visiting the boat daily by kayak to provide food and care. Realizing the cats needed better living conditions, they decided to surrender them to the county so they could have a better life.

“There was no doubt the owners cared about the cats, but the space simply wasn’t equipped for that many animals,” Steve Bell, field services supervisor with MCAW, said. “After talking with us, they made the incredibly difficult but selfless decision to surrender the majority of the cats.”

The cats, ranging in age from one to seven years old, were brought to land by boat and taken to Bishop Animal Shelter, where they were immediately evaluated, vaccinated, and cared for by the shelter’s veterinary team.

“This was a large and unexpected intake, but our team at Bishop acted quickly and compassionately to ensure each cat received the care it needed,” Bell said. “These cats were given warm baths, clean bedding, medical attention, and most importantly, hope.”

While many of the cats remain at Bishop, some have already been transferred to Cat Town, MCAW’s feline-specific shelter in Bradenton, to help accommodate the intake and prepare the cats for adoption.

The original owners are continuing to work with MCAW to safely trap and sterilize the five remaining cats, which they plan to keep. The county has offered to cover the cost of sterilization.

The cats are now available for adoption at Bishop Animal Shelter at 5718 21st Ave. W., and Cat Town at 216 6th Ave. E., both in Bradenton.