More Than 200 Siamese Cats From FL Home

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — More than 200 Siamese and Siamese-mix cats were rescued from a Manatee County home, according to a news release from the county.

The rescue of the 204 cats was a coordinated response involving Manatee County Animal Welfare, Manatee County Public Safety and more than nine local animal rescue organizations.

The cats were removed after the resident, who had been feeding a growing number of stray cats, reached out to authorities for help.

“While the initial effort was an act of compassion, the population quickly expanded due to the lack of spay-and-neuter interventions,” the county said.

The person cooperated fully with authorities and wanted what was best for the animals, authorities added.

“This was not about cruelty or neglect — it was about someone trying to do good who became overwhelmed,” Sarah Brown, director of Community & Veterans Services, said. “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.”

Despite the large number of cats, most were in good health and good spirits, many moving freely between the home and outdoors. Only one cat required more intensive medical attention due to an eye issue. Most were cleared to be taken in my local rescues and shelters, and are adoption ready.

The cats were assessed and treated on-site by Southwest Florida Spay and Neuter Services, who performed surgeries in a mobile EMS unit in partnership with MCAW, the county said. The collaboration allowed 204 cats to be safely rescued and transferred 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,” Claribel Gill, MS, LAMP counselor and psychiatric clinic coordinator with the county said. “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. If you notice a loved one or friend exhibiting any of these behaviors, gently recommend professional help with a caring, compassionate and non-judgmental approach."

While most of the highly social cats were transferred to rescue partners, MCAW’s Palmetto Adoption Center currently has 17 cats remaining who are best suited for barn cat placement. These cats are healthy but have a more independent temperament, ideal for safe outdoor environments like barns, warehouses or workshops where they can thrive.

“It’s remarkable how healthy the majority of these cats were when we arrived,” said DVM 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 using a mobile EMS unit, while our shelter’s medical staff triaged and received any unstable cats in-house.”

To learn more or get involved, visit mymanatee.org/pets or call Manatee County Animal Welfare at 941-742-5933.