Over 200 Cats Rescued in Manatee County Following Community-Led Response
Manatee County Agencies Collaborate to Support Resident and Rescue Cats in Humane, Coordinated Operation
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (July 25, 2025) — More than 200 Siamese and Siamese-mix cats have been rescued from a single Manatee County residence following a coordinated response from Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW), Manatee County Public Safety and over nine partner 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. Officials emphasize that the individual cooperated fully with authorities and wanted what was best for the animals.
“This was not about cruelty or neglect—it was about someone trying to do good who became overwhelmed,” said Sarah Brown, director of Community & Veterans Services. “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, the majority were found to be in good health and good spirits. Many were able to move freely between the home and the outdoors, which contributed to their overall well-being. Only one cat required more intensive medical attention due to an eye issue, but the vast majority were cleared for transport and adoption readiness.
The cats were assessed and treated on-site thanks to Southwest Florida Spay and Neuter Services, who performed surgeries in a mobile EMS unit in partnership with MCAW. 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,” said Claribel Gill, MS, LAMP Counselor and Psychiatric Clinic Coordinator with Manatee County Government. “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."
MCAW and its partners are now calling on the community to help with the next step in this rescue: fostering, adopting and donating. The cats range in age and are friendly, social and in need of stable environments as they transition to new lives.
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.”
How to help:
Foster or adopt a cat through Manatee County Animal Welfare or any of the participating rescues
Donate to support continued medical care, food and supplies
Share this story to raise awareness
To learn more or get involved, visit mymanatee.org/pets or call Manatee County Animal Welfare at (941) 742-5933.
For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.
