The shelter took in 14 of the cats from the bus and expects most to be available for adoption this weekend.
ESPAÑOLA, N.M. —
More than 100 cats rescued from a broken-down school bus in Albuquerque are recovering at Española Humane, where most of the cats are expected to be available for adoption this weekend.
Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department rescued the cats from the bus near Loma Linda Community Center on Oct. 28. The cats’ owner legally surrendered them on Nov. 4, allowing them to be prepared for adoption.
Maddie Allen, Española Humane’s director of communications and programs, said most of the 14 cats at their shelter are adults, though some are kittens.
Most of the kittens have upper respiratory infections, and a couple of the adult cats had eye issues, Allen said. One cat had both eyes removed and is doing well, and another is missing one eye; both are doing well after surgery.
Allen said both cats should live indoors, and she does not expect them to have any ongoing medical needs related to their eye conditions.
“They’re surprisingly healthy and surprisingly social,” Allen said. “I don’t think any one of them is acting feral or semi-social.”
The shelter is working to spay or neuter the cats and ensure they are up to date on vaccinations, deworming and flea and tick medication. Several arrived with Giardia, an intestinal parasite, so the shelter is treating the entire group, Allen said.
How you can adopt or help
Allen said the shelter’s cat adoption room is full, but prospective adopters will be able to meet the rescued cats in another part of the shelter. People can fill out an adoption application online or in person.
Taking in a large group of animals requires significant work, from intake paperwork to medical care, Allen said.
“When there is a large number of animals that needs to be cared for all at once, it is a massive strain on any one shelter or any one rescue,” she said. “All of us are constantly struggling with space and the capacity to care for animals on a daily basis.”
For people unable to adopt, the shelter also accepts donations of cat food, toys, towels and blankets.
