Dozens Of Cats Remain In 'Overrun' North Jersey Home As Animal Groups Continue Rescues

PATERSON, NJ — Several North Jersey animal welfare groups have been working to remove more than 120 cats and kittens from a home, and are asking for community support to help the animals live new and happy lives.

The organizations are partnering with Paterson Animal Control in the rescue efforts, which began Feb. 15 after officials say the overwhelmed owner called officials. The cats and kittens range in age from newborn to elderly and some are sick or going blind, according to volunteers.

Wayne-based FOWA Rescue said it has taken in more than 30 kittens, including ones who needed to be put on an incubator and fed every two hours. Several nursing mother cats were among those taken in, too.

"The nursery is busy too with three nursing moms and several babies that are all being supplemented with bottles," a Friday update said. "And we also have nine babies without moms that are learning how to play with toys and be happy kittens!"

FOWA volunteers sent Patch several photos of the cats and kittens they have taken in.

Homeless Tails, based in Wayne, said it is in "desperate need" of fosters and volunteers (interested parties may email homelesstailsrescue@gmail.com). The organization is leading the effort to remove the cats from the three-story home.

"We want to thank everyone who has offered to help so far," the group said in an update Saturday. "We will use your help to the fullest in the coming weeks, as local shelters start filling up."

The felines are described as friendly but many needed medical care, the shelters said. Some cats had neurological conditions, were blind, or had scarring on the eyes.

Shelters are asking for support in donating for the felines' medical care, fostering some of the cats, and ultimately getting them adopted to loving homes.

On Sunday, the Oakland-based Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge (RBARI) estimated dozens of cats still remained in the home, and said rescue efforts are continuing daily.

For the latest updates on the cats, and more information on how to donate or foster, check the social media pages for RBARI, Homeless Tails, and FOWA Rescue. Some of the cats are also available to be adopted at the Randolph Regional Animal Shelter.

Original article:

• Rescue Of 120 Cats Underway From Paterson Home, Adopters Needed