The Great Outdoors? Not for Cats!

Some animal shelters manipulate their euthanasia statistics by instituting policies that leave animals to struggle for survival and die painfully on the streets. So-called “trap-neuter-release” (TNR) programs—or, more accurately, “trap-neuter-reabandon” programs—may allow limited-admission shelters to spin their intake and euthanasia numbers, but they do nothing to protect cats from the horrors that befall them when left outdoors to battle harsh surroundings, sickness, and sadistic people.

Countless cats who are left outdoors without protection die from infected wounds and injuries, as even small abscesses and common urinary tract infections can become raging and deadly for unsocialized cats who cannot be handled and treated. Cats outdoors are vulnerable to contagious diseases, parasite infestations, starvation, dehydration, freezing, heatstroke, attacks by dogs and other predators, and being hit by vehicles. Cruel people often poison, shoot, burn, drown, or otherwise torture and kill cats.

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PETA Owned

Right or wrong, many property and business owners do not want cats on their property. Not everyone loves cats or wants them climbing on their cars, maiming or killing birds, or digging in their gardens. When animal shelters refuse to accept cats (as more and more so-called “no kill” facilities are doing), property owners often take matters into their own hands and resort to cruelty, both intentional and unintentional.

So many people become upset by roaming cats that legislation was introduced in Wisconsin and Utah to make it legal to stalk, hunt, and kill domestic cats! The bills failed, thanks to an outcry from animal activists and compassionate citizens, but that these bills were introduced at all should serve as a wake-up call for those who claim to care about cats—they are not safe outdoors.

Because of the many deadly hazards that cats face outdoors, responsible guardians allow their feline companions outdoors only when on a leash, in an enclosed area (such as a screened porch), or closely supervised.

Below is just a sampling of some of the horrible fates that have recently befallen stray, feral, and free-roaming cats. Countless others have died frightened and alone under porches or behind dumpsters, without anyone ever noticing what became of them.

Media Reports About Cats Outdoors Who Came to Harm in October 2024

Davie, Florida

WSVN.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found limping and crying. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where X-rays reportedly showed that he’d been shot and that “the bullet from [a] BB gun shattered the cat’s top arm and lodged into the chest cavity.” He was expected to undergo surgery. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Honolulu, Hawaii

KHON2.com reported that the decapitated body of an apparently homeless cat had been found floating in the water at a boat harbor. According to the report, “[T]he bodies of seven additional cats, each with suspicious injuries, were found nearby. Officials noted that many of the deceased cats were located next to piles of food on the ground.” Anyone with information about the deaths was asked to contact authorities, but no suspects were identified.

Somerset County, Pennsylvania

WJACTV.com reported that a kitten who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been crushed to death after a large box that was being delivered had been set down on top of the animal. The kitten’s owner discovered the animal’s lifeless body when she retrieved the package from the porch.

Scott County, Kentucky

LEX18.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot. According to the report, a neighbor admitted to shooting the animal and told authorities “that the cat was on his property and was being a ‘nuisance.’ He added that the cat left paw prints on his vehicles, and he shot [the animal] with a rifle.” The cat was taken to a veterinary hospital by his owner, where he had to be euthanized after it was found that the bullet had “pierced his chest cavity.” He’d also sustained a broken leg in the shooting. The neighbor was charged “with felony torture of a dog or cat.”

Cambridge, Maryland

ShoreNewsNetwork.com reported that authorities had arrested a man after he allegedly threw an apparently homeless cat into a traffic sign. The injured cat was found and taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that the animal had sustained pelvic injuries. Authorities charged the suspect with two counts of cruelty to animals. No additional information was available.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

TheGazette.com reported that authorities had arrested a man after he allegedly threw a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision “onto a concrete street,” killing the animal. He was charged with “animal abuse, an aggravated misdemeanor.” No additional information was available.

Toledo, Ohio

WTOL.com reported that two homeless cats who’d been fed by a resident had been attacked and killed by two dogs, who were homeless or allowed to roam unsupervised. The resident said that she had witnessed the cats being attacked and chased the dogs away. Authorities were notified.

Charleston County, South Carolina

CountOn2.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been exposed to rabies through contact with an infected raccoon. A dog had also been exposed to the virus. Both animals would have to be quarantined in accordance with state law. No additional information was available.

Mishawaka, Indiana

WNDU.com reported that two cats who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found ill. They were taken to a veterinary hospital, where they reportedly both died from antifreeze poisoning. No additional information was available.

Tuskegee, Alabama

WRBL.com reported that a litter of six homeless kittens had been found on a university campus. Four of the animals were taken to a veterinary hospital, where one of them had died or been euthanized and had tested positive for rabies. Health authorities found that of the remaining two kittens, one had been taken in by a family and would be “evaluated” and the other hadn’t been accounted for at the time of the report. Twenty humans had been exposed to the virus through contact with the kittens and were receiving post-exposure treatment.

Prestonsburg, Kentucky

FloydCT.com reported that authorities had arrested a man after he allegedly tortured a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. According to the report, a witness provided authorities with video footage that reportedly “showed [the suspect] with a cat, [who] grabbed [the suspect’s] arm before [the suspect] put the animal on the ground and began making movements. The citation said the cat, at the time of the investigation, was not dead, but [his or her] throat had been cut and the animal had been transported for veterinary care.” No additional information was available.

Hamilton, New York

CNYCentral.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. According to the report, the cat had been found at a golf club and had exposed one human to the virus, who had to undergo post-exposure treatment. No additional information was available.

Tuscarawas County, Ohio

Yahoo.com reported that authorities were investigating the shooting of two cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. According to the report, a resident had reported to authorities that a cat described as a “barn cat” had been found “shot with a practice arrow. The resident told deputies that he removed the arrow but eventually put the cat down so [the animal] would not suffer any more.” Another resident reported that a cat who had been allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found with a “a gunshot wound from a .22 caliber firearm.” No additional information was available. No suspects were identified.

Columbiana, Ohio

WFMJ.com reported that a man had been indicted for allegedly shooting a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision with a .22 caliber weapon. Authorities had reportedly been called in September by the cat’s owner, who said that he’d found the cat with a gunshot wound to the head. The suspect allegedly admitted to shooting the cat and trying to shoot the animal a second time before the cat had run off, according to a police report. No information about the animal’s condition was available, and no court date had yet been set in the case.

Norristown, Pennsylvania

NBCPhiladelphia.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found on a resident’s doorstep “with her leg dangling, bent completely backward, barely hanging on.” She was taken to an animal adoption group, where X-rays revealed that she would require surgery after being shot. Bullet fragments reportedly remained “scattered through her leg, neck, and shoulder.” Nonetheless, she was evidently expected to survive. Authorities were asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact them, but no suspects were identified.

Lake Magdalene, Florida

FOX13News.com reported that a homeless cat who had been killed had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Kalispell, Montana

DailyInterLake.com reported that authorities had received a report from a caller who said that an injured cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found “in a box [that] was reportedly left on a corner with a note stating, ‘Is this your cat?’ A person who took the cat to the animal hospital told officers that the box had been there for at least a day.” No additional information was available.

Alamance County, North Carolina

Alamance-NC.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. Other animals and humans had been exposed to the virus through contact with the cat, and there were reportedly “many feral cats and kittens in the area.” No additional information was available.

New Madrid, Missouri

KBSI23.com reported that two cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead from suspected poisoning. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Mission, Texas

ValleyCentral.com reported that two cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by two dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. Video surveillance footage had captured the fatal attack on one of the cats. The second cat had been found “with a collapsed lung and he did not survive the night,” according to the report. Authorities were notified and said the dogs’ owner had been given a warning.

Essex County, Virginia

RealRadio804.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Summerville, South Carolina

Live5News.com reported that 12 homeless cats who had been fed at a property had been found dead from suspected poisoning. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Powhatan Point, Ohio

WTRF.com reported that two cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead from suspected poisoning. According to the report, the animals had been “found dead, with a blue substance around their mouths. A bowl of cat food was found nearby, with a blue substance mixed in it.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Harvey County, Kansas

SalinaPost.com reported that a cat described as a “barn cat” who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. According to the report, this was the second time in recent weeks that an animal had tested positive for the virus in Kansas, “and both involved outdoor cats [who] exposed multiple humans and other cats.”

Cleveland, Ohio

News5Cleveland.com reported that two homeless kittens who were being fed at a public park hadn’t been seen for days before they were both found badly injured. A woman who fed the cats reportedly said that one had been found with one of her back legs “sticking out sideways. She was actually walking almost, it looked like on her elbow.” She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that she’d been shot twice and sustained two broken legs. One of the legs was so badly damaged that it may have to be amputated. The second injured kitten couldn’t be captured for days. When she finally was, she was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that she’d also been shot and had sustained a broken pelvis and other injuries. Both kittens were enduring treatment. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.

Hurdle Mills, North Carolina

CBS17.com reported that a homeless cat who had bitten a human had been captured by authorities. The cat died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Boise, Idaho

IdahoNews.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with a blow dart and then became stuck in a tree. Responding firefighters were able to contain the cat, who was returned to his owner. No additional information was available.

Orange Springs, Florida

Marion.FloridaHealth.gov reported that a homeless cat who had been killed had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Harford County, Maryland

FOXBaltimore.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Cases That Made the News Concerning Cats Left Outdoors to Suffer and Die in September 2024

Cambria County, Pennsylvania

Local21News.com reported that a cat who was described as a “barn cat” had “been missing, for approximately 48 hours” before he’d been found dead, hanging by his neck from a piece of twine. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Webber, Kansas

Yahoo.com reported that a cat who was described as “a farm cat” had died or been euthanized and had had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Wappinger, New York

Westchester.News12.com reported that a cat who had escaped from her home had been found dead two months later at the end of her guardian’s driveway. It wasn’t known how she’d died, but her guardian believed she’d been “killed by a person and gave News 12 photos showing how the cat looked, which appear to show the animal’s stomach skinned and [her] eyes gouged out.” Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

PhillyVoice.com reported that a homeless cat who had been fed in a “colony” with other homeless cats had been found with an arrow protruding through her thigh. She was taken to a veterinary hospital and then transferred to an animal adoption group, “where two surgeons removed the arrow and treated her wounds.” She was evidently expected to survive. Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to contact authorities, but no suspects were identified.

Isle of Wight, Virginia

13NewsNow.com reported that a homeless cat who had attacked a woman had died or been euthanized and had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Copperas Cove, Texas

KXXV.com reported that a homeless kitten had sustained injuries after he or she had been attacked by a skunk. Authorities were called and were unable to capture the skunk. The kitten was rescued, euthanized, and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Wintersville, Ohio

KansasCity.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found with severe infections in both of her eyes. She was taken to an animal adoption group, which had both of her eyes surgically removed. She was apparently expected to survive.

Liberty Borough, Pennsylvania

CBSNews.com reported that a kitten who’d been allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by a dog, who was also roaming unsupervised. The attack was reportedly captured on video surveillance footage. A dog who was apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had also been attacked and killed by the same dog. Authorities captured the dog and were investigating.

Lynchburg, Virginia

NewsObserver.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found badly injured on a road. He was taken to an animal adoption group, which said he’d been found “with a broken jaw and facial trauma” and was expected to endure “a long road to recovery.”

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

6ABC.com reported that authorities were trying to identify a man who had allegedly captured a cat, who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision, in a trap and then set the animal on fire. No additional information was available.

Mabel, Minnesota

KTTC.com reported that authorities had charged a man with cruelty to animals after witnesses said he’d tried to drown a homeless kitten and then partially buried the animal, who was found crying and still alive. No additional information was available.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

WZZM13.com reported that a cat who’d been allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been fatally attacked by two dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. One of the cat’s owners said that a passerby had stopped the attack after seeing the dogs “ripping apart” the cat. Authorities were notified and reportedly captured the dogs, who were “in custody until the case is reviewed by the prosecutor’s office.”

Lafayette, Louisiana

KLFY.com reported that a 14-year-old had been arrested for allegedly killing an apparently homeless kitten on a school campus. No additional information was available.

Salinas, California

KSBW.com reported that authorities had captured two dogs who’d been roaming unsupervised and had fatally attacked several cats in two neighborhoods, who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision.

Orlando, Florida

FOX35Orlando.com reported that at least four cats who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by two dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. The owner of one of the cats said that the animal had been found with “broken ribs, a broken pelvis, a punctured stomach, and broken teeth.” He was mercifully euthanized. Authorities were notified.

Missoula, Montana

NBCMontana.com reported that two cats who’d been allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with a pellet gun. Both cats underwent surgery at a veterinary hospital, and one of them had to be euthanized afterward. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Oneida County, New York

UticaOD.com reported that a homeless kitten who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. Four humans who were exposed to the virus through contact with the animal required post-exposure treatment. No additional information was available.

Hopewell, Virginia

WRIC.com reported that a homeless kitten had bitten a resident before he or she had died or been euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

FOX2Detroit.com reported that a cat who was homeless or had been allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found after she’d been shot “dozens of times with a pellet gun.” She was taken to an animal adoption group, where “veterinarians removed several BB pellets from her face and body. That includes one in her eyelid.” It wasn’t reported whether authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Patch.com reported that a homeless cat had been found near a school “sick and non-responsive.” He or she had died or been euthanized and had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Port Charlotte, Florida

WINKNews.com reported that a cat who’d been allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been missing for two days before returning home badly injured. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that he’d been shot, likely with a .22 caliber bullet. He underwent surgery, but the bullet couldn’t be safely removed. He was evidently expected to survive. Authorities requested that a report be filed, but no suspects were identified.

Rahway, New Jersey

CityOfRahway.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Duluth, Minnesota

NorthernNewsNow.com reported that a cat who’d been allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been alone and starving for two months after becoming trapped in a “sewer hole” that workers had capped and surrounded with rocks. By the time his cries finally led to a rescue, he’d lost 9 pounds. According to the cat’s owner, he had to be reintroduced to food and was receiving additional care.

San Antonio, Texas

MySanAntonio.com reported that a cat who was described as “an indoor and outdoor” cat had been attacked by two dogs, who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. The cat’s owner reportedly returned home and found the animal injured, crying, and hiding under a bench. She was taken to an animal hospital and treated for scratches and puncture wounds. Complications from the attack resulted in veterinary bills exceeding $6,000. The attack was captured on video surveillance footage. Authorities were notified.

Comal County, Texas

MyCanyonLake.com reported that two homeless cats who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. According to the report, “There is an unconfirmed report that a third cat was reported behaving strangely at another location in New Braunfels today.” That cat also died or was euthanized and his or her remains were being sent for testing. No additional information was available.

Marion County, Florida

Ocala-News.com reported that a homeless cat who had been killed had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Harrison Township, Ohio

WHIO.com reported that a homeless cat had been badly injured during an attack by two dogs who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. A doorbell camera had reportedly captured footage of the attack and showed “the dogs trying to pull the cat out from under a truck.” The cat was taken to a veterinary hospital by area residents. It wasn’t reported whether she was expected to survive. According to a later report, a spokesperson for the area’s animal control agency said it couldn’t respond to reports about cats who were injured or killed by roaming dogs because revisions to local laws “indicate that cats are not viewed as companion animals.”

Warren County, Virginia

TheRiver953.com reported that a rabid skunk had attacked a homeless cat and her kittens. Authorities were reportedly “working to trap the affected kittens to prevent spread.” No additional information was available.

Athens, Georgia

OnlineAthens.com reported that a homeless kitten who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

City of Jamestown, New York

Post-Journal.com reported that two homeless cats who had died had tested positive for rabies. According to the report, a resident found an injured cat “with wounds from an animal fight.” The cat was taken into the resident’s home, and “[a]fter nearly 2 weeks, the cat began acting strangely and eventually died in the home. … The second cat was found in poor health by a resident who frequently feeds feral cats. The cat was taken into the home and died while in the home. The resident was scratched by the cat and was treated with rabies post exposure prophylaxis.”

Patterson, New York

DailyVoice.com reported that a cat who’d been allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found injured. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where X-rays showed that he’d been shot, possibly with a pellet gun, and that “the projectile had lodged itself in [his] ventral abdominal muscle wall, where it still remains.” He would reportedly have to undergo surgery. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Erie, Pennsylvania

CBSNews.com reported that authorities had responded to a call “about kids who were playing catch with [an apparently homeless] kitten on the sidewalk.” A responding officer reportedly “found the kids tossing the kitten back and forth” and was able to take the animal to an animal adoption group. According to the group, veterinary staff found that the kitten had not sustained any broken bones but was terrified “in shock and was already suffering from an upper respiratory infection.” The animal was receiving treatment and expected to survive. No additional information was available.

Pine Township, Pennsylvania

PAHomepage.com reported that a cat who’d been allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found injured after being shot. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital and was expected to survive. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Willards, Maryland

WBOC.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Media Reports About Cats Outdoors Who Came to Harm in August 2024

Boston, Massachusetts

MassLive.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been hit by a car, resulting in severe injuries, including “fractures in his front legs and jaw—making it impossible for the cat to stand, walk or eat,” according to authorities. A news release issued by authorities reportedly said that “his now former owners refused to seek treatment for him ‘despite his obvious suffering.’” The cat had to be seized from the owners to get him needed treatment. He was later “forfeited” to authorities “after his former owners did not … pay a bond, as ordered by a judge.” He was evidently expected to survive.

Lansdale Borough, Pennsylvania

NorthPennNow.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found badly injured. He was taken to a veterinary hospital and euthanized after an X-ray showed that he’d sustained a broken spine, paralyzing him. According to the report, the owner posted publicly that “the injuries suggest he was not hit by a car, but may have been slammed to the ground or hit with something. She said she has witnessed teenagers in the past handle [the cat] in a rough manner and even throw rocks at him.”

Jackson Township, Ohio

CantonRep.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been seen by a driver on an interstate highway. Authorities were called and were able to contain the animal, who had sustained injuries. The kitten was reportedly taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment and was expected to survive.

Westfield, Massachusetts

MassLive.com reported that authorities had charged a man with two counts of cruelty to animals after he allegedly drowned a cat he’d trapped on his property. Investigators reportedly found the cat’s body on a property that the suspect had told them he used to dispose of dead animals. According to the report, an animal control officer “described the dead cat as a gray domestic shorthair female [who] appeared to have been nursing kittens. [Her] body showed signs of having been drowned.” The suspect also showed investigators a large trash can on his property and allegedly stated that he had “put the cat in the bin [which was full of water], closed the lid, and waited at least 10 minutes for [the animal] to die.”

Lockport, New York

WGRZ.com reported that after a homeless kitten who’d been found and taken in by a family “started displaying aggressive scratching behavior,” the animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he or she died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Brooklyn, Iowa

KCRG.com reported that city leaders had received “several complaints” about cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision being shot with crossbow bolts. According to the report, “They also shared images in the post, showing a cat [who] had been shot through the leg.” They were asking anyone with information about the shootings to contact them, but no suspects were identified.

Lumberton, Texas

FOX4Beaumont.com reported that residents had said multiple cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision in a neighborhood had been attacked and killed by a pack of dogs, who were homeless or also allowed to roam unsupervised. The owner of one of the cats said she had found the feline “in the ditch outside her home. She says his insides were completely ripped out through his rectum and he died baring his teeth and brandishing claws. Much of [his] hair was lodged under [the owner’s] car near the engine where he attempted to hide.” Other cats had been found dead in the neighborhood, either by their owners or other residents. Authorities were notified.

Allentown, Pennsylvania

MCall.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been missing for a couple of days before he returned home bleeding from his face. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where an X-ray revealed that he’d been shot and that “a bullet that went through his cheek was lodged inside of his nasal cavity.” He was receiving treatment. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.

Vidor, Texas

12NewsNow.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with “bones sticking out” of his leg. A woman said she saw the cat limping and that “[a] couple of weeks went by and the injury only got worse.” He was eventually taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that the “break was too severe to repair, so [the leg] had to be amputated.” He was evidently expected to survive.

Allen, Maryland

BayToBayNews.com reported that a homeless kitten who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Mount Vernon, Maryland

BayToBayNews.com reported that a homeless cat who had been found “displaying possible signs of the rabies infection” had died or been euthanized and had tested positive for the virus. No additional information was available.

Gaston, South Carolina

WISTV.com reported that three cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been exposed to rabies through contact with an infected fox. They were to be quarantined in accordance with state law. No additional information was available.

Macon, Georgia

WGXA.tv reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead and disemboweled in a neighborhood where a pack of homeless dogs had been roaming. Residents had reported the pack to authorities but allegedly claimed that the publicly funded animal shelter said it was “full” and wouldn’t help.

New York, New York

Greenpointers.com reported that a homeless cat who had been sterilized and reabandoned by a group had been attacked and killed by a dog, who was also homeless or roaming unsupervised.

Kanabec County, Minnesota

FOX9.com reported that authorities had charged the landlord of a property “with cruelty to animals by poisoning, animal torture, and animal cruelty for allegedly poisoning” homeless cats who roamed the property. A tenant who fed the cats reportedly said that he had “started to notice a rapid decline in their health and believed they were being poisoned.” Authorities said they received a call from someone who “claimed that he had witnessed [the landlord] put anti-freeze in a trailer that the cats would crawl into, and confronted him about it, during which time [the landlord] told him he ‘did not want the cats on the property.’” CharlotteObserver.com reported that some cats had been found dead, including one who was “dead and contorted” when found by a property manager.

Lebanon, Oregon

KEZI.com reported that a cat who was described as “an indoor/outdoor cat” had not returned home for two days before he was found severely injured. The cat’s owner said he’d been found “with flies on him” and “had open wounds. We thought a dog had attacked him.” The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that he’d been “shot multiple times with a .22 caliber bullet …. The gunshots shattered several bones in his legs and he lost a lot of blood.” The leg had to be amputated. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.

Mount Holly, New Jersey

TheSunPapers.com reported that an apparently ill homeless kitten had been found and taken to an animal shelter. He or she had died or been euthanized and had tested positive for rabies. According to the report, “[T]he county health department has identified individuals who were exposed.” No additional information was available.

Lynchburg, Virginia

WSET.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found injured on a bridge. She was taken to an animal adoption group, which determined that she’d sustained “two leg fractures and head trauma.” She was receiving veterinary care and was evidently expected to survive. No additional information was available.

Canton, Ohio

CantonRep.com reported that authorities had arrested a woman who was accused of killing a cat, who was apparently homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision, “by stomping [the animal’s] head.” The killing occurred at a residential housing complex. According to the report, there were “multiple” witnesses to and video footage of the attack. The woman was charged with cruelty to animals, among other charges.

Frederick, Maryland

WUSA9.com reported that a homeless cat had attacked two humans. The animal was captured by authorities and died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Bakersfield, California

KGET.com reported that two sheriff’s deputies who’d been accused of shooting a roaming cat to death at a training facility had been disciplined after an investigation evidently found that the allegations were true. No additional information was available.

Kerr County, Texas

KerrCountyTX.gov reported that a resident had been bitten by a sick homeless kitten on his or her property. Authorities were called and “collected the specimen,” indicating that the animal had died or been killed. Testing revealed that the kitten had been rabid. The resident was reportedly advised to seek medical treatment. No additional information was available.

Memphis, Tennessee

FOX13Memphis.com reported that residents of a neighborhood said that a pack of roaming dogs had killed multiple cats who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. One resident reportedly had placed “the body of a cat [who] was killed in a cardboard box with ‘DEAD CAT’ scrawled on the side in permanent marker.” Another said that a homeless cat she’d been feeding had been attacked and killed and that “[t]he same night, her home surveillance camera captured two dogs eating the cat food she set out on her porch.” Between 15 and 20 cats had been attacked and killed by the dogs during a period of approximately four weeks, according to a resident. Authorities were notified.

North East, Maryland

CecilDaily.com reported that a homeless cat had been “seen acting aggressively” near a hotel. Authorities captured the cat, who died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

FOX21News.com reported that a homeless kitten had been “found in a field with multiple fractures in his leg.” He was taken to an animal shelter, where he had to be held for weeks before he was old enough and strong enough to undergo surgery to amputate the leg. He was evidently expected to survive.

Pequea Township, Pennsylvania

WGAL.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with an arrow through his or her head. The animal was taken to an animal shelter, where the arrow was removed and veterinary treatment was being provided. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Overland Park, Kansas

KCTV5.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found badly injured by authorities. They believed that the cat had likely been hit by a car. The animal was taken to an animal adoption group and was reportedly receiving care.

Kansas City, Missouri

FOX4KC.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been badly injured when her owner started a lawn mower that the cat had been hiding underneath during a heat wave when temperatures were described as being “in the triple-digit heat index.” According to the report, she sustained “a huge cut down her side” and was taken to a veterinary hospital, where she received treatment, including stitches. She was evidently expected to survive.

Palmhurst, Texas

CentralOregonDaily.com reported that authorities had been called after residents had evidently seen a homeless cat roaming with a jar stuck on his or her head during extreme temperatures. Responding police officers were able to contain the animal and remove the jar. The cat, who was “panting heavily,” was taken to an animal shelter for veterinary care.

July 2024 Media Reports Exposing How Cats Suffer and Die Outdoors

Fort Valley, Georgia

13WMAZ.com reported that a pack of dogs who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacking and killing other animals, who were also homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. A resident had reportedly filed a police report after seeing the dogs kill a roaming cat. A neighbor said that the cat had been heard screaming during the attack.

Woodhaven, Michigan

TheNewsHerald.com reported that two cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had returned home injured. According to the cats’ owner, the animals had sustained injuries to the face and head. After reviewing a photo of one of the cat’s injuries, authorities reportedly said that it appeared to be similar to those sustained by a dog in the area who had been shot with a “BB gun or air projectile.” They were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Roanoke County, Virginia

WFXRTV.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Salt Lake County, Utah

KUTV.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been hit by a vehicle. When the driver stopped and exited her car to assess the cat’s injuries, she was hit by another vehicle. According to the report, the woman “was originally listed in critical condition but has since passed away.” The status of the cat was not reported.

Summerfield, North Carolina

GuilfordCountyNC.gov reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Morristown, New Jersey

MorristownGreen.com reported that authorities had charged a man with cruelty to animals after surveillance footage reportedly showed him filming while a dog he was walking without a leash attacked a cat, who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. According to the report, the footage showed the dog come out from under a “bush with a white-pawed cat in [his or her] mouth, shaking the cat before setting [the animal] on the ground. The dog kept biting the feline, and [the accused] continued filming, according to the detective.” An animal control officer located the cat’s body, and a “necropsy found multiple puncture wounds along [the animal’s] back and chest, and a fractured spine and sternum, police reported.”

Florence County, South Carolina

TheState.com reported that a homeless cat had to be euthanized after sustaining severe injuries while being attacked by a rabid fox. No additional information was available.

Newberry County, South Carolina

TheState.com reported that two cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been exposed to rabies through contact with a rabid fox. Both cats were going to be quarantined in compliance with state law. No additional information was available.

El Paso, Texas

ElPasoTimes.com reported that authorities had arrested a man “on suspicion of cruelty to non-livestock animal” after he allegedly killed a homeless cat in a parking lot. According to the report, the man was “accused of killing a cat, ripping [the animal’s body] open and eating [the cat’s] intestines.” He allegedly told authorities that “he saw the cat and … stepped on the cat’s tail with his left foot …. He allegedly stomped on the cat’s head four times with his right foot.” He also told authorities that he had stolen “a screwdriver from workers at a construction site in a nearby alley … [and] used the screwdriver to stab the cat and ripped open the cat’s body with his hands, the affidavit states.”

Cedarhurst, New York

LongIsland.News12.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Junction City, Kentucky

Z93Country.com reported that authorities had arrested a man who “allegedly shot and killed at least two [homeless] cats with a BB gun, according to a citation from the Boyle County Sheriff’s Office.” The cats’ bodies were found on the suspect’s property along with other evidence. Animal control authorities removed four kittens, who had been found alive under a porch on the property. The suspect was reportedly “arrested and charged with ‘Torture Dog/Cat W/Serial Phys Inj., or Death,’” according to the citation.

Hanover County, Virginia

WRIC.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Soledad, California

SalinasValleyTribune.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with a “severely injured leg broken and dangling.” She was taken to an animal shelter, where it was found that she’d been shot with a pellet gun “in her right front leg, which shattered the bone. The pellet and small shrapnel particles were still embedded in her leg.” The leg had to be amputated, and she was evidently expected to survive. A reward was being offered for information about the shooting, but no suspects were identified.

Huntersville, North Carolina

QCNews.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. Three humans had been exposed to the virus through contact with the cat. No additional information was available.

Boulder County, Colorado

KDVR.com reported that a cat who was described as “an indoor and outdoor cat” had contracted tularemia, a bacterial infection, after he attacked and killed a rabbit. He required hospitalization and $7,000 worth of veterinary treatments. He was expected to survive.

Corpus Christi, Texas

KIIITV.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found by his or her owners “mauled and killed right next to [their] car” after being attacked by two dogs, who were homeless or roaming outdoors without supervision. Authorities were notified.

Winter Haven, Florida

FOX13News.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead a day after the animal had attacked another cat and his or her owner. Testing revealed that the cat had been rabid. The surviving cat had not been vaccinated and was surrendered to authorities. The state health department was working to provide the owner with post-exposure treatment. No additional information was available.

Brevard County, Florida

SpaceCoastDaily.com reported that a homeless cat who had been killed had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Sugarloaf, Texas

CitizensVoice.com reported that authorities had been called after a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision was allegedly attacked and killed by two dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. According to the report, responding authorities found the cat’s dead body covered with a towel in the owner’s yard. An investigation determined that the dogs had previously been deemed dangerous and were not being kept in compliance with the law. Both dogs were seized, and their owner was cited.

Knightdale, North Carolina

Wake.gov reported that a woman had been exposed to rabies when she intervened to stop a “fight” between a cat and a fox, who died or was euthanized and tested positive for the virus. The cat evidently ran off and had not been located at the time of the report. According to authorities, a feral cat colony was believed to be nearby.

Marion County, Florida

Marion.FloridaHealth.gov reported that a homeless cat who had been killed had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Dayton, Ohio

WHIO.com reported that a resident “while she was in her home” had apparently seen a homeless kitten who was running across a yard while on fire. She claimed to have dumped water on the kitten to try to put out the flames. Authorities were called and reportedly arrested a man in connection with the crime. The kitten was taken to an animal adoption group for care. A later reported revealed that the kitten had been admitted in critical condition. A spokesperson for the group reportedly “said he was suffering from severe burns and large wounds” and had “undergone two surgeries, but the care team expects more to follow. The spokesperson said he has also developed a ‘severe infection that is resistant to treatment,’ and is on strong antibiotics.”

Osceola County, Florida

WFTV.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Belmont, Massachusetts

CBSNews.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot in the head with a BB gun. He was evidently expected to survive. No additional information was available.

Eugene, Oregon

KEZI.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by two dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. The attack was captured on video surveillance footage. Authorities were notified.

West Palm Beach, Florida

WPBF.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found severely injured. She was evidently taken to an animal shelter, where veterinary staff removed one of her eyes. No additional information was available.

Chickasaw, Alabama

MyNBC15.com reported that multiple cats who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision in a neighborhood had been injured and killed by a pack of dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. One resident said that others had been posting about the attacks on a community message board, including a woman who said that the dogs had beheaded a cat in her yard. No additional information was available.

Conestoga Township, Pennsylvania

Local21News.com reported that a homeless cat had been seen limping for a week before a resident captured the animal and took the animal to a veterinary hospital. An examination reportedly revealed that the cat had been shot in the shoulder, shattering it, and was “facing amputation.” Authorities reportedly said that it was “unknown if this was an intentional act, or if the cat, [who] is stray, wandered onto a nearby gun range and was struck accidentally.”

Berryville, Virginia

WinchesterStar.com reported that a homeless kitten who was part of a litter at a park had been seen exhibiting neurologic symptoms. The animal died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Auburndale, Florida

WFLA.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with a BB gun by a man who was a passenger in a vehicle. According to the report, the suspect “told deputies he was riding in a car when he saw a cat on the road and had gotten out to look at [the animal]. He said the animal had labored breathing, appearing to have been struck by a car. That’s when deputies said he grabbed a Sportsman 900 Pellet Rifle and shot the cat once in the head.” The cat was reportedly found by authorities, “lying on the sidewalk, still breathing but limp when [he or she] moved. A wound was present above [the animal’s] right eye, with blood leaking out, covering [his or her] face and right front leg, the affidavit detailed.” The suspect “was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty and using a weapon during a felony offense.” The cat was taken to an animal shelter for care.

Hillsville, Virginia

TheCarrollNews.com reported that after a homeless cat had attacked a resident in their yard, the animal had died or been euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Pelham, Alabama

CBS42.com reported that a doorbell camera had captured a woman picking up a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision and placing the animal into a vehicle, which then was driven away. The cat’s owner posted on social media seeking information.

Darlington, Maryland

Patch.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

San Pedro, California

FOXLA.com reported that residents alleged that a man had been shooting cats who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision with a crossbow. According to the report, “Photos show injured cats and crossbow bolts with cat fur, allegedly from different deceased animals.” A spokesperson for a group that evidently sterilizes and abandons homeless cats reportedly said that a large number of cats had been fed in the area and that many had been “disappearing.” Authorities had been notified but reportedly said allegations against the man weren’t supported by evidence.

Columbia, South Carolina

WLTX.com reported that a homeless cat who had been fed by a resident at an apartment complex had been “found crawling from a pond at the complex as if someone meant to harm the animal. The [resident] said the cat was covered in some sort of glue-like substance and someone had attempted to glue the animal’s eyes, nose and mouth shut. Whoever did that also shaved the cat and cut [his or her] whiskers.” Authorities were called, and the cat was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. Anyone with information about what happened was asked to contact authorities, but no suspects were identified.

Media Reports About Cats Outdoors Who Came to Harm in June 2024

Martinsburg, West Virginia

WVMetroNews.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by a pit bull, who was also homeless or roaming unsupervised. The pit bull was attacking another dog when responding authorities shot and killed the aggressive animal.

Spanish Fort, Alabama

FOX10TV.com reported that according to authorities, several cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead in a neighborhood. One of the cat’s owners said she’d found “her dead cat’s body near her home last week. She said the cat had a clean cut and no blood—almost, she added, as if someone killed the animal somewhere else and moved [the body] to that spot. She said she believes it was the work of a person.” After an investigation, authorities reportedly believed the animals had likely been killed by a bird of prey.

St. Paul, Minnesota

TwinCities.com reported that a homeless cat had been seen crawling into the muffler of a vehicle on a cold day. Responding firefighters had to dismantle the muffler in order to retrieve the cat, who was taken to a public animal shelter. It was later determined that he’d sustained severe burns and injuries that required the amputation of a leg and treatment for “deep burns.” He was expected to survive.

Independence, West Virginia

WBOY.com reported that a cat described as a “barn cat” had been attacked by a rabid raccoon. According to the report, both animals were killed, apparently by the property owner. The raccoon’s remains were sent for testing, which confirmed the rabies diagnosis.

Pendleton, Oregon

EastOregonian.com reported that authorities had received a report after the owner of a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had shot and killed a dog, who’d attacked the cat after getting off a leash while being walked. According to the report, the cat couldn’t be located after the attack. Evidence had reportedly been submitted to the district attorney’s office.

Savannah, Georgia

WSAV.com reported that two cats in one neighborhood who had been allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked by two dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. According to one of the cat’s owners, a neighbor “kind of had to get aggressive” with the dogs to get them to drop a cat, who was taken to a veterinary hospital and died. The other cat’s owner said that her cat had “clearly been grabbed by a dog and has some deep puncture wounds and gashes.” She was expected to survive. Authorities were reportedly investigating.

Madison, Wisconsin

Channel3000.com reported that a homeless cat had been found “with multiple dire injuries, which require daily sedated bandage changes and flushes. He is on both pain medication and antibiotics for his wounds.” He was taken to an animal adoption center, where he was receiving treatment. No additional information was available.

Panama City Beach, Florida

WJHG.com reported that a homeless cat had been found badly injured behind an abandoned house. He or she was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that the animal had been shot. No additional information was available.

Gloucester, Virginia

WAVY.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision “had been missing a few days” before his owner “began to worry.” According to the article, “A few days turned into two weeks before she heard his meowing late one evening in a neighbor’s backyard.” The animal was found emaciated and badly injured. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that he’d been shot in the face with a small-caliber weapon. According to the owner, the bullet “went in the side of his nose. It shattered the hard palate and then came out through the neck.” She said she was “feeding him through a tube in his neck. A metal plate holds together the hole in his mouth until it heals.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Las Vegas, Nevada

FOX5Vegas.com reported that a homeless cat with five kittens had been rescued from a storm drain by passersby who heard the kittens crying and called authorities. It was 108 degrees outside at the time. The mother cat was described by the finders as “emaciated” and “starving,” and the kittens were dehydrated and malnourished, according to a veterinarian who examined and treated them. They were expected to survive.

Dinwiddie County, Virginia

Progress-Index.com reported that a homeless cat had attacked several residents who were trying to help the animal. Responding authorities captured the cat, who had died or been euthanized and had tested positive for rabies. According to the report, the cat had a litter of kittens who were found by authorities. However, all of them ran into the woods and evaded capture. No additional information was available.

Loredo, Texas

BeaumontEnterprise.com reported that authorities had arrested a man who allegedly shot a BB gun at a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. According to the report, surveillance footage showed the man shooting at a cat who was under his motorcycle. In a police interview, he reportedly said that his neighbor “feeds stray animals, including cats, the affidavit states. [The accused] added he has seen the cats urinate and climb on his vehicle, leaving scratches behind. [He] stated he has approached the homeowners association and the property management company to no avail, court documents state.” It wasn’t reported whether the cat had been injured. He was reportedly charged “with cruelty to a non-livestock animal by serious bodily injury.”

Chester, Ohio

ReviewOnline.com reported that authorities had arrested a man and charged him with cruelty to animals after a witness saw a cat dying in his yard while driving by his home. The witness said that she and her “family pulled over to assist the struggling cat” and that the homeowner “allegedly admitted to killing the cat because he was sick of ‘smelling cat pee.’” The cat had apparently been shot. The man reportedly led investigators to the cat’s body, which had a visible injury and was collected as evidence.

Saraland, Alabama

MyNBC15.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been heard crying for approximately two weeks inside a garage without air conditioning at an apartment complex. Authorities were finally called and found the cat inside a box trap in the unit without access to food or water. The owner of the garage was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals. A neighbor said the man had told him that he regularly traps cats and takes “them to a friend who tied them up to bait coyotes with.” The cat was taken to a public animal shelter for care.

Adams County, Pennsylvania

Local21News.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found with an arrow through her head. She was taken to an animal hospital, where she was receiving treatment, including a needed feeding tube. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

South Fulton, Georgia

FOX5Atlanta.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision at a fire station had been attacked and killed by a dog, who was also roaming outdoors unsupervised.

Sumterville, Florida

ClickOrlando.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Taylorville, Illinois

NewsChannel20.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found injured with a .22 caliber gunshot wound to his or her neck. The animal was reportedly expected to survive. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Folly Beach, South Carolina

Live5News.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found with “haphazard” shaving marks and a deep gash on the inside of his or her thigh. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital for needed treatment, including stitches. No additional information was available.

Ogden, Utah

ABC4.com reported that a man had evidently “posted a video of himself spraying a feral cat with a high-pressured water hose while [the animal] was trapped in a cage and physically unable to avoid the water.” According to the report, the man “says in the video that the feral cat had been showing up at his Ogden area home for the last six months, attacking his own cat” and that he was punishing the animal. The outlet contacted authorities but had not heard back. It wasn’t known whether the cat had survived.

Duval County, Florida

Duval.FloridaHealth.gov reported that a rabies alert had been issued after a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Henrico County, Virginia

WRIC.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found in the woods with an injured leg. Authorities were called and were able to contain the animal. The kitten would reportedly be provided with needed veterinary treatment. No additional information was available.

Cazenovia, New York

LocalSYR.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had to be euthanized after he or she was attacked by a rabid woodchuck. No additional information was available.

Voorhees, New Jersey

NJ.com reported that a homeless cat who was housed at an animal shelter began exhibiting symptoms of rabies. The animal was euthanized and tested positive for the virus. A veterinarian at the facility had been exposed. No additional information was available.

Huntington, Utah

KJZZ.com reported that a man had found two badly injured homeless cats. According to the man, one cat had been “shot in the head … with a .22 caliber bullet” and was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he or she underwent surgery, including the removal of an eye. The second cat, who appeared to have been “stomped on,” sustained such severe injuries that he or she had to be euthanized. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Wake Forest, North Carolina

CBS17.com reported that a homeless cat had attacked a woman. Responding to a report, authorities found the cat dead. Testing revealed that he or she had been rabid. Authorities reportedly “said the cat is believed to have come from a colony of feral cats living nearby.” No additional information was available.

Westminster, South Carolina

FOXCarolina.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. A human was exposed to the virus through contact with the cat and had been referred to a healthcare provider for post-exposure treatment. According to the report, the cat was the fourth one in the area this year who had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Lampasas County, Texas

FOX44News.com reported that a homeless cat had attacked a woman who had been feeding the animal. The woman reportedly told authorities that the animal “acted very aggressive and that [he or she] was seen to be foaming at the mouth, appeared sickly and was acting abnormally.” Authorities captured the animal and transported him or her to a veterinary hospital, where the cat was evidently euthanized and later tested positive for rabies. The woman was receiving post-exposure treatment.

Orleans, New York

InformNNY.com reported that a cat described as “a barn cat” who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. Three humans were exposed to the virus through contact with the cat. No additional information was available.

Florence County, South Carolina

WPDE.com reported that two homeless cats who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. According to the report, “Officials said 18 people are known to have been exposed to a wounded orange 6-to-8-week-old kitten [who] tested positive for rabies. They were referred to their healthcare providers.” The second rabid cat was a neutered male who had exposed one human to the virus. The exposed individual had also been referred to a healthcare provider.

Cases That Made the News Concerning Cats Left Outdoors to Suffer and Die in May 2024

North Charleston, South Carolina

WLOS.com reported that a homeless cat had sustained “a large gash to his stomach in a fight with another cat.” According to the report, a houseless man was trying to raise money to pay for the cat’s needed treatment. No additional information was available.

St. Paul, Minnesota

StarTribune.com reported that a woman walking in a cemetery had found a homeless cat and two kittens in poor shape. The walker called an animal adoption group, which captured and removed the animals. According to a spokesperson for the group, the mother cat was extremely thin. The kittens were suffering from severe dehydration and “couldn’t see because their eyes were completely crusted shut” from an infection. They were receiving treatment.

Owings Mills, Maryland

WMAR2News.com reported that the owner of a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision said that he’d been found “with blood oozing out of [his] eyes [and that he] couldn’t move and was just sitting there helpless.” He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where the owner said he’d sustained a broken jaw and broken eye sockets and that his “bottom teeth pierced through his tongue.” He was reportedly “on a feeding tube and pain medication.” Surveillance footage allegedly showed a neighbor throwing rocks at the cat while the animal hid underneath a car. Authorities were investigating.

Hewitt, Texas

Yahoo.com reported that a homeless cat had been found badly injured after he’d been hit by a car. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where he reportedly “had to have one leg removed, [was found to be] blind in one eye, and had to have a wire put in his jaw.” He was apparently expected to survive.

Boston, Massachusetts

MassLive.com reported that a homeless cat had been found badly injured after he’d apparently been hit by a car. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that he’d sustained “multiple fractures on his face, and he was in immense pain.” According to the report, he underwent multiple surgeries, including the removal of both eyes and the repair of a fractured jaw.

Woodway, Texas

KXXV.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found badly injured in some rubble after a tornado. She was taken to an animal adoption group, which transferred her to an animal hospital, where she was supposed to “undergo surgery to amputate her legs.” No additional information was available.

Fresno, California

YourCentralValley.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found badly injured on the side of a road. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where a spokesperson said that he’d “arrived with a broken front leg and the paw torn off; his other front paw was injured and seeping with maggots.” The group evidently found a veterinarian who amputated both of the cat’s front legs.

Monroe County, Pennsylvania

BRCTV13.com reported that a homeless cat had been found on an entrance ramp to an interstate freeway with a large burn on the side of his body. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where he was evidently receiving treatment. Another homeless cat in the area had been found suffering at a site where humans reportedly feed large numbers of cats. She was taken to the same animal adoption group, where a spokesperson said that “they saw her running around with a dead kitten hanging from her.” She was transported to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that she had a litter of dead kittens inside her body. She evidently received treatment.

New York, New York

NorwoodNews.org reported that authorities had arrested a man on charges of “causing an animal to fight for gain, aggravated cruelty to animals, and two counts of torture/injury to an animal” for allegedly giving “numerous commands to his dog to attack a cat,” who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. Authorities reportedly said that the individual “also injured a pit bull” in the same area. No additional information was available.

St. Johns County, Florida

FirstCoastNews.com reported that residents said that five cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision in a neighborhood had gone missing over a period of one month. No additional information was available.

East Palo Alto, California

KRON4.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had returned home with a hole in his stomach. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where X-rays reportedly revealed that he’d been shot and that a bullet remained lodged in his body. A veterinarian who examined the cat reportedly said that “it appears the cat got shot on [his] left side and likely broke [his] leg running away.” The owner was trying to raise money for two needed surgeries. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.

New Cumberland, West Virginia

WTRF.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had returned home bleeding profusely with his mouth hanging open. He was taken to a veterinary hospital the next day, where X-rays revealed that he’d been shot in the face with a .22 caliber bullet. According to the report, “The bullet caused major damage to his jaw leading the vet to remove part of the top jawbone along with several teeth.” Authorities were reportedly investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Roswell, Georgia

WSBTV.com reported that a man had “pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated animal cruelty for injuring and killing feral cats with a crossbow” the previous year. One cat had been found alive with a crossbow bolt “lodged in the forehead, right between the eyes,” according to a spokesperson for an animal adoption group that captured and treated the animal. He survived, but others evidently hadn’t. The shooter was sentenced “to five years in prison with two to serve.”

Citrus Heights, California

CitrusHeightsSentinel.com reported that a woman who fed homeless cats outdoors had found an extremely ill cat with six kittens. One of the kittens died before the animals were taken to a veterinary hospital and diagnosed with feline panleukopenia virus. According to the report, “[T]he cats were euthanized due to extreme suffering.”

Tacoma, Washington

FOX13Seattle.com reported that an unweaned homeless kitten had been found with “a large, gaping wound on his right side, exposing underlying muscle.” He was taken to an animal adoption group, where he was reportedly receiving treatment “with nutrients and ultraviolet light therapy.” It wasn’t known how he’d been injured.

Las Vegas, Nevada

News3LV.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had returned home badly injured. According to his owner, the cat ran into the house and then “collapsed in the hallway and was wailing in pain.” He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where X-rays revealed that he’d been shot. His owner said the bullet had broken some of the cat’s ribs and damaged his lungs. The injuries were so severe that he had to be euthanized. The owner planned to alert authorities, but no suspects were identified.

Salem, Oregon

SalemReporter.com reported that a pregnant cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot to death by a group of teenaged boys. According to the report, “Footage from the family’s security camera shows the killing of the pregnant cat at about 2:30 a.m. …. [T]he cat is shown approaching the boys, and later, the teen with the gun takes aim and fires. [The cat] struggles for some time before the teen kills the cat with a second shot.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Staten Island, New York

SILive.com reported that a neutered, ear-tipped homeless cat who had evidently been sterilized and reabandoned had attacked a human. The animal was captured, euthanized, and tested positive for rabies. The individual who was attacked required post-exposure rabies treatment.

Snellville, Georgia

WSBTV.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. According to the report, “Vet staff were exposed to the cat through saliva.” No additional information was available.

Meriden, Connecticut

FOX61.com reported that authorities had charged a man with cruelty to animals after a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision or had escaped from his home had been found dead. According to the report, court documents “describe how [the suspect] allegedly ‘whacked the cat with a big knife’… ‘punched the cat with brass knuckles’ and ‘smashed the cat’s head with a bowling ball’… texting his friends ‘the eyes popped out’ and that he ‘enjoyed it.’” A court date was set in the case.

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

SEMissourian.com reported that a homeless cat described as “a neighborhood cat” hadn’t been seen for a few days before he was found injured. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that he’d been shot and that shrapnel remained lodged in one of his legs, which would have to be amputated. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.

Altavista, Virginia

WSET.com reported that a homeless kitten who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Oconto, Wisconsin

FOX11Online.com reported that a homeless cat had been found injured. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where “veterinary care revealed [the animal] had a severe break and a bullet lodged in his leg.” His leg reportedly had to be amputated. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.

Green Bay, Wisconsin

FOX11Online.com reported that authorities had arrested a man who had allegedly killed a neighbor’s cat who had escaped from his or her home the previous evening. According to a criminal complaint, the cat’s owner reportedly witnessed the accused strangle the cat and hit the animal in the head with a hammer after the feline had been found in his garage. The accused then allegedly threw the deceased cat’s body “near a tree.” He was reportedly “charged with mistreatment of an animal causing death.”

Jefferson, Iowa

RaccoonValleyRadio.com reported that authorities had received a report from a medical center about a patient who had been attacked by a homeless cat she’d been trying to help. The cat reportedly ran off and couldn’t be located. No additional information was available.

Madison, Maine

CentralMaine.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision and was routinely found near or inside a local grocery store had died after being hit by a car.

Agawam, Massachusetts

WesternMassNews.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had died or been euthanized and had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

WSVN.com reported that authorities had arrested a teenager after surveillance footage allegedly showed him scare a homeless cat off a car and encourage two dogs he was walking to fatally attack the animal. According to the report, “Detectives found [the cat’s] body covered in bite marks the next day.” A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office reportedly said the teen was charged with cruelty to animals “involving torment, animal cruelty resulting in the death of an animal and the baiting of an animal.”

Walton County, Florida

WEARTV.com reported that authorities had arrested a man after witnesses alleged that they saw him “walk through [a] park carrying [a] trap with [a] cat inside. Moments later, they saw him leave without” the trap or the animal. A lake or pond was evidently in the park. Responding to a call, officers reportedly “found a dead cat in a trap [who] ‘appeared to have been purposely thrown and drowned in the water.’” The man was charged with cruelty to animals.

Jacksonville, Florida

News4JAX.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

April 2024 Media Reports Exposing How Cats Suffer and Die Outdoors

Early, Texas

BrownwoodNews.com reported that an apparently homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

South Jordan, Utah

FOX13Now.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found injured. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where an X-ray revealed that he’d been shot and that a bullet remained in his body. The cat’s owner reportedly said, “We’re pretty sure it’s a .22 gauge—not a BB, not a pellet, but an actual bullet. He was shot in the face, it hit his jaw and the vet said it looked like a bomb went off in his mouth.” The animal required surgery and a feeding tube because he was unable to eat or drink on his own. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.

Reno County, Kansas

HaysPost.com reported that a veterinarian said that a cat described as a “farm cat” had “started attacking her kittens and acting strange.” The animal was evidently taken to a veterinary hospital, where she died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Rowan County, North Carolina

RowanCountyNC.gov reported that an apparently homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Riley County, Kansas

WIBW.com reported that a homeless cat had been found shot with an arrow. The feline was taken to a veterinary hospital, where treatment was provided before the animal was transferred to an animal shelter. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Pike County, Kentucky

Mountain-TopMedia.com reported that a man had been charged with cruelty to animals after he allegedly admitted to authorities that he’d trapped a neighbor’s cat, who was evidently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision, and shot the animal to death.

Newport, North Carolina

CarolinaCoastOnline.com reported that authorities had charged a man with cruelty to animals for allegedly killing a neighbor’s cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. According to the report, the suspect had “admitted to killing the cat and said he thought the cat was a stray …. After trapping the cat, [he] took the feline to a tree line of his property” and apparently shot the animal to death. He was also charged with a firearm infraction.

Wakeman, Ohio

FOX8.com reported that a homeless cat described as a “community cat” had been found with his “rear left leg dangling behind him.” He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that he’d been shot with a shotgun and that buckshot had shattered the injured leg, which would require amputation. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Lake Clarke Shores, Florida

WPTV.com reported that authorities were investigating after several cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had evidently been shot and thrown into a canal. A resident who said that four cats she’d allowed to roam alone outdoors had been killed in the previous three weeks. “I think that what happens is they get shot in the back, it renders them paralyzed and they get thrown in the canal,” she said. Another resident said that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had gone missing. According to the report, authorities “said they have a person of interest, but the case is still under investigation.”

Oswego County, New York

Syracuse.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found injured. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where a veterinarian reportedly found that he’d been shot and “had at least 20 pellets in his body and a wound on his neck.” He also suffered from bruising to his lungs and was receiving treatment. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

St. Johns County, Florida

FirstCoastNews.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found badly injured. The owner said she thought the cat had been hit by a car. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where she had to be euthanized after it was determined that she’d actually been shot with a pellet gun, paralyzing her. The owner said the cat was the third one who’d been shot in the past two years after she’d allowed them to roam outdoors without supervision. All of them died, and she vowed not to allow any additional animals to roam outdoors.

Lawndale, California

KTLA.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by a man. According to the report, the man had been walking by a residence “when he allegedly spotted a cat on the driveway of a home and approached the feline. Authorities say he then grabbed the cat and repeatedly struck [the animal] against the sidewalk until [he or she] was dead.” The man was located and arrested “on suspicion of torturing/killing a live animal.”

Wiarton, Ontario, Canada

ClintonNewsRecord.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found injured with a hole in his or her leg. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was determined that he or she had been shot with a pellet gun. According to the report, the cat died from the injuries sustained. Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to call authorities, but no suspects were identified.

Henrico County, Virginia

WRIC.com reported that the owner of “[a] cat described as a ‘companion outdoor cat’” had contacted authorities after being attacked by the animal. The cat, who was reportedly “acting out of character and appeared ill,” was taken to a veterinary hospital. There, he or she was evidently euthanized after “neurological issues were identified” and later tested positive for rabies.

Portage, Wisconsin

CA.Style.Yahoo.com reported that a homeless cat had been found suffering from dehydration and with both of her eyes ruptured. She was taken to an animal adoption group, which provided her with veterinary care, including the surgical removal of both eyes. No additional information was available.

Shreveport, Louisiana

KTALNews.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by three dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. The fatal attack was captured on video surveillance footage. Authorities were notified.

Media Reports About Cats Outdoors Who Came to Harm in March 2024

Niagara, New York

AOL.com reported that a homeless cat who was “housed” in a resident’s garage had been found with injuries after a rabid raccoon was found in the structure. According to the report, “the homeowner opted for humane euthanasia in lieu of an extended 6-month quarantine” for the cat. No additional information was available.

Austin, Texas

KXAN.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had become trapped inside an abandoned house. When animal control authorities found the cat, the house had been abandoned for approximately six weeks and the cat was “totally blind and emaciated, down from his typical 18 pounds to roughly seven or eight pounds.” He was taken to a veterinary hospital, “where he was put on fluids before staff slowly began reintroducing food and water in small doses.” He was then transferred to a specialty hospital, where he received a blood transfusion and was receiving ongoing care. It wasn’t known whether he’d regain his sight.

High Point, North Carolina

Yahoo.com reported that authorities had shot and killed a homeless cat who was “attacking and biting people.” The animal later tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Jacksonville, Florida

News4JAX.com reported that a resident said that during the previous few weeks, seven cats she’d allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by a pack of dogs, who were homeless or also allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. Some of the attacks were captured on video surveillance footage. The cats’ owner said she’d witnessed at least one fatal attack: “One dog had the head of the cat in his mouth and the other two were tugging on the end.” Authorities were notified.

Effingham County, Georgia

CoastalHealthDistrict.org reported that a homeless who had attacked a resident had died or been euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Bryant, Arkansas

THV11.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead. Responding authorities found the animal, who “had been shot in the head by a blowgun dart that was about six inches long.” They were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Peachtree City, Georgia

FOX5Atlanta.com reported that a homeless cat had attacked multiple people on a pathway behind a grocery store. Responding authorities captured the animal, who was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he or she was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. One individual had been bitten and scratched by the cat and another had sustained puncture wounds when the cat attacked her leg. No additional information was available.

Union County, Kentucky

WEVV.com reported that a mail carrier had contacted authorities after seeing an apparently homeless cat struggling with a food can stuck on his or her head. Responding animal control officers transported the cat to an animal shelter, where the can had to be cut off. The cat suffered from dehydration and was apparently receiving treatment.

Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada

PTBOCanada.com reported that authorities had responded to a call from a resident who said that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found in a driveway with an arrow through his or her body. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he or she had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries sustained. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Dedham, Massachusetts

WCVB.com reported that a homeless cat had been found “scared, cold and rain-soaked” under a car in a parking garage. He was taken to an animal adoption facility, where it was found that he had a puncture wound on one of his legs. He was receiving treatment and would possibly have to be quarantined for four months in accordance with state law because it wasn’t known how he’d sustained the wound.

Chaffee, North Dakota

ValleyNewsLive.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found lying in a ditch, crying and unable to move. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where it was determined that his body temperature was “dangerously low”; that he was weak, dehydrated, and “full of tapeworms”; and that he had severe dental disease. Testing reportedly revealed that he “had kidney failure and possible lymphoma.” He was mercifully euthanized.

Las Vegas, Nevada

8NewsNow.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found on the street with “a possible partial amputation” of one of her legs. She was taken to an animal adoption group, which apparently reported that there was not enough skin to cover a protruding “nub,” making the animal “very susceptible to infections, growing abscesses, and pain.” The group was trying to raise funds to pay to have the appendage amputated. No additional information was available.

Foley, Florida

WTXL.com reported that an apparently homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Flagler County, Florida

FirstCoastNews.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had died or been euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

WDAM.com reported that a group of homeless cats who’d been sterilized and re-abandoned at a university campus had been attacked and killed by two dogs, who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. An individual who’d been feeding the cats said, “[T]hese two dogs showed up on campus and they took out our entire colony that we would feed. … [I]t does really suck to lose all that money that we’ve put into the cats.”

Rock Hill, South Carolina

SCDHEC.gov reported that three cats who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been exposed to the rabies virus through contact with a rabid racoon. The cats had to be quarantined in accordance with state law. No additional information was available.

Pleasantville, New Jersey

BreakingAC.com reported that a homeless cat had been found seemingly ill. A resident who took the cat in was bitten by the animal and contacted authorities. According to the report, an animal control officer contained the cat, who died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. An investigation determined that five other cats in the resident’s home may have been exposed to the virus. The resident was receiving post-exposure treatment. No additional information was available.

Roanoke, Virginia

WDBJ7.com reported that a cat who had escaped from her home had returned badly injured. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that “someone had shoved a pen up the cat’s anus, causing major internal damage.” According to a treating veterinarian, she also had bruising to her legs, which indicated that there had likely been two attackers. Her injuries were so severe that she had to be euthanized. A reward was being offered for information about the attack, but no suspects were identified.

Pompano Beach, Florida

CBSNews.com reported that authorities had charged a woman with cruelty to animals after she allegedly trapped an apparently homeless cat and set the animal on fire. According to the report, a witness who called 911 said he “saw smoke coming from his neighbor’s yard, and when he peeked over, he made a gruesome discovery. ‘There was a cat inside of a trap and she was burning the cat alive,’ he said.” Local10.com reported that the cat was evidently still alive when found by authorities and that “[i]nvestigators said the cat had to be euthanized.”

Jackson County, Georgia

NortheastHealthDistrict.org reported that an apparently homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Middletown, Pennsylvania

Local21News.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found “with injuries to the face and neck.” He or she was evidently taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that the animal had been shot with a BB gun, likely the previous week. The cat was provided with treatment and was expected to survive. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Clinton, South Carolina

SCDHEC.gov reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. One human who was exposed to the virus had been advised to seek medical attention. No additional information was available.

Port Norris, New Jersey

BreakingAC.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot to death by a neighbor. The cat’s owner said he watched as the animal roamed onto the neighbor’s property and then heard a gunshot. He said he went to the property and found the cat “lying on the ground twitching.” When the owner confronted the neighbor about shooting the cat, the neighbor allegedly said that the cat was “on my step.” The neighbor was charged with cruelty to animals.

Richmond, Virginia

WRIC.com reported that a cat who was evidently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead after he’d been “doused with accelerant and set on fire while inside a crate.” According to authorities, the animal died after sustaining second- and third-degree burns to more than 60% of his body. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Bluffton, South Carolina

WTOC.com reported that two homeless cats who had been sterilized, re-abandoned, and fed by “volunteers” had been found shot. According to the report, one of the cats had been found paralyzed next to a “dumpster with a .22 caliber bullet stuck in her back.” She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where she had to be euthanized because of the extent of her injuries. The second cat was found dead five days later. Authorities reportedly believed that this cat had been shot to death with a BB gun. They were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

High Falls, Georgia

MyMCR.net reported that authorities had charged a woman with unspecified crimes for allegedly shooting her neighbor’s cat, who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. According to the report, the cat’s owner shared video surveillance footage with authorities that showed the shooting. The animal was taken to a “veterinary clinic for emergency surgery and X-rays,” according to the owner. No additional information was available.

Suffolk County, New York

DailyVoice.com reported that a 17-year-old male had been charged with cruelty to animals for allegedly beating a homeless cat with a metal bar, resulting in “severe traumatic injuries” to the animal. According to the report, the suspect shared video footage of the attack on social media. No additional information was available.

Chesapeake, Virginia

WAVY.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Auburn, Georgia

WSBTV.com reported that a homeless cat who had bitten a resident had died or been euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Augusta, Georgia

AugustaChronicle.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had returned home limping and bleeding. The next day, she was taken to a veterinary hospital, where an X-ray revealed that she’d been shot and a pellet that had shattered the bone remained embedded in the leg. She was receiving treatment, and it was thought that her leg may have to be amputated. The cat’s owners were reportedly trying to raise the funds for needed medical care. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.

Watertown, New York

WWNYTV.com reported that an injured homeless cat who had been taken in by a resident had died and tested positive for rabies. Three humans required post-exposure rabies treatment. No additional information was available.

Cases That Made the News Concerning Cats Left Outdoors to Suffer and Die in February 2024

Honolulu, Hawaii

KHON2.com reported that four cats who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found shot to death. According to the report, “Some residents believe the killings could be linked to disagreements over feeding feral cat colonies.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Boston, Massachusetts

MassLive.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found in a parking lot with severe burns. He was taken to an animal hospital, where a spokesperson said he was receiving regular bandage changes, pain medication, and antibiotics “in the hopes that [the wounds] will heal enough to close surgically” and that he’d also require “additional surgeries, and the severe wounds on a hind limb may result in amputation.” It wasn’t known how he’d been burned or whether he’d survive.

Commercial Township, New Jersey

PressOfAtlanticCity.com reported that a man had been charged with cruelty to animals after he’d allegedly shot to death a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. No additional information was available.

Islip, New York

Patch.com reported that a man had been charged with animal abandonment after he allegedly trapped a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision and left the feline at a supermarket. Another cat, who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision, had also reportedly gone missing in the area. No additional information was available.

Thomasville, North Carolina

DavidsonLocal.com reported that a resident had found “several” homeless kittens, one of whom had obvious injuries. The injured kitten was taken to an animal adoption group, which reportedly provided him or her with veterinary care. According to the report, after exhibiting neurologic symptoms, the kitten was euthanized on the recommendation of a veterinarian. He or she later tested positive for rabies. Humans exposed to the virus were advised to seek post-exposure treatment. The status and location of the other kittens weren’t reported.

Tampa, Florida

WTSP.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found unable to use one of her legs because a screw had been “screwed into” her paw. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where she underwent surgery, and was expected to survive. No additional information was available.

San Antonio, Texas

FOXSanAntonio.com noted that a homeless cat, who was reportedly “the sole survivor of his stray mother’s litter,” had lost one of his eyes, possibly when he was attacked by another animal. He was taken to an animal shelter and was evidently provided with veterinary treatment. No additional information was available.

Des Moines, Iowa

KCCI.com reported that a cat who was described as “an outdoor cat” had been trapped in a shed when the structure caught fire. She was reportedly taken to an animal adoption group after she was found “two to three days” later with “gruesome burns.” At the time of the report, she’d undergone weeks of veterinary treatment.

Dumfries, Virginia

FOX5DC.com reported that an injured homeless cat had been seen trying to attack people. Responding authorities contained the animal, who reportedly had visible wounds on his front and back legs. The animal died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Johnson City, Tennessee

JohnsonCityPress.com reported that a homeless cat had been found badly injured after he was shot in the face with a BB gun. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where he was reportedly scheduled to undergo surgery for a broken jaw. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.

Longboat Key, Florida

YourObserver.com reported that authorities had responded to a report about a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision and appeared to be injured on a road. According to the report, responding “officers located the injured cat [who] appeared to [have been] struck by a vehicle or [to have] fallen from a tree.” Animal control authorities were called and reportedly transported the cat for treatment.

Green Bay, Wisconsin

News.Yahoo.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with severe frostbite to his ears. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where surgery was required to remove dead tissue. He was expected to survive.

Butler County, Pennsylvania

TheCourierExpress.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision was in critical condition after she was attacked by a man. According to the report, authorities were “searching for information on the man who punched, beat and then threw [the] cat into a brick wall.” The animal was transported to a veterinary hospital “with a brain injury and internal damage.” It wasn’t known whether she’d survive.

Frederick County, Maryland

DCNewsNow.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with “deformed teeth from an injury.” He was taken to an animal shelter, where he died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Putnam County, New York

Westchester.News12.com reported that a homeless cat had been found exhibiting neurological symptoms. He or she was taken to a veterinary hospital, where the animal died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Corpus Christi, Texas

KRISTV.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by an unspecified number of dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. Authorities were notified.

Deschutes County, Oregon

NBCNews.com reported that a cat who was apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had likely infected his or her owner with plague. According to a county health officer, “[T]he cat involved in the recent case was ‘very sick’ and had a draining abscess, which indicated ‘a fairly substantial’ infection.” The owner was apparently expected to survive. No additional information was available about the cat’s health.

Mechanicsville, Maryland

SMNewsNet.com reported that a man had been charged with cruelty to animals after he allegedly shot a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision with a paintball gun. According to the report, police officers who responded to a call found an injured cat and “saw that a paintball casing was lodged into the front left corner of [his] head.” Animal control officers were dispatched to the scene and took custody of the cat, who had sustained such severe injuries that he had to be euthanized.

St. Petersburg, Florida

FOX13News.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with an arrow in his back. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he reportedly underwent two surgeries, was on a feeding tube, and remained in serious condition. It wasn’t known whether he’d survive. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Harriman State Park, New York

NorthJersey.com reported that a homeless cat had been found by a man working at a state park. According to the man, the outdoor temperature was below 20 degrees and the cat was “thin, weak and nearly frozen.” The report stated that the cat was taken to an animal adoption group, “where it was determined that [he] was positive for feline immunodeficiency virus and suffering from the effects of malnutrition.” He was receiving medical care and was expected to survive.

Maui, Hawaii

KITV.com reported that a homeless cat had been found injured in October 2023. He was taken to an animal adoption group, “where he was found to [have been] shot in the head with a pellet gun.” X-rays taken by veterinary staff reportedly “revealed that the pellet was lodged in the bottom of [the animal’s] skull.” It was determined that it was too dangerous to try to remove it. A veterinarian said, “We were removing bone and bullet fragments from the back of his mouth but it was safest for the bullet to stay where it is. It’s lodged in the underside of the second vertebrae of his neck which is a very sensitive area.” The cat received treatment and was expected to survive. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

January 2024 Media Reports Exposing How Cats Suffer and Die Outdoors

Hamilton, Ohio

DaytonDailyNews.com reported that authorities were trying “to identify a man who appears to capture [an apparently homeless] cat then slam [him or her] to the ground at a Hamilton apartment complex, causing the animal grave injuries.” According to the report, Sheriff Richard Jones “said the man is seen on video chasing the cat into the building stairwell and is ‘seen in the video capturing the cat in the trash bag, then slams [the animal] hard to the ground.’ The injured cat was dumped behind the building, where a deputy dog warden found [him or her] the next day. The cat was alive, but suffered a fractured pelvis and spine and had to be euthanized.”

Davenport, Iowa

OurQuadCities.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found sick and nearly frozen to death. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where a spokesperson said that “[h]e was actively dying” when admitted. According to the report, “Not only was his temperature dangerously low, but he also was severely underweight, and he ha[d] a respiratory infection.” He was receiving treatment, but it wasn’t known whether he’d survive.

Warwick, New York

Westchester.News12.com reported that after an individual who had been feeding a “colony” of approximately 40 homeless cats died “suddenly,” the animals were found sick and starving. A spokesperson for an animal adoption group that had taken in 24 of the animals reportedly said that some of the cats required surgeries and other medical care. One cat was reportedly “found face down in the dirt, dehydrated and emaciated.” Efforts were apparently underway to capture the remaining cats.

Saratoga Springs, New York

TimesUnion.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been transported to an animal shelter and left outside the closed facility “in frigid temperatures” by a business owner who had previously “asked the cat[’s] owner to keep the animal away from his eatery.” Video surveillance footage reportedly captured the business owner leaving the cat outside the facility unconfined and showed that the cat eventually ran off. The animal had not been found at the time of the report. The business owner was charged with cruelty to animals.

Navajo County, Arizona

AZFamily.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by a fox who was presumed to be rabid. No additional information was available.

Garland, North Carolina

WECT.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Woodland Park, Colorado

FOX21News.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with a pellet gun. According to the report, authorities said, “The pellet entered the area of [his or her] left shoulder causing permanent damage. The [cat] survived but the long-term effects are unknown.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Sierra County, California

2News.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had tested positive for plague. According to the report, “Cats are very susceptible to plague infection and frequently die without prompt veterinary care.” No additional information was available.

Vienna, Virginia

GazetteLeader.com reported that a resident had told authorities that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found “stuck on their fence.” When the resident helped to extricate the animal, they were scratched. The cat was evidently able to escape. According to the report, “The resident advised health officials that he or she was unfamiliar with that particular cat and would not be able to identify” the animal. No additional information was available.

Fluvanna County, Virginia

CBS19News.com reported that authorities had been notified that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had sustained injuries while he was outside overnight. According to the report, “When officers got to the scene, they found [the cat] was severely hurt, and despite efforts to help, the decision was made to euthanize him. The sheriff’s office believes [the animal’s] injuries were intentionally inflicted and the incident is being investigated as a potential case of” cruelty to animals. No additional information was available.

Beech Island, South Carolina

PostAndCourier.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been exposed to rabies through contact with an infected raccoon. The cat would reportedly have to be quarantined in accordance with state law. No additional information was available.

Wasilla, Alaska

AlaskasNewsSource.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found frozen to the ground. He apparently received veterinary treatment and was expected to survive. No additional information was available.

West Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

KelownaCapNews.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with “severe frostbite to his ears and deep wounds on his head and forelimbs.” The cat had reportedly “been living on the streets, forced to endure the bitterly cold temperatures that have put the Okanagan in a deep freeze over the last week while his wounds were likely caused by an attack from a larger animal.” He was taken to an animal adoption group for veterinary treatment and was expected to survive.

Oxford Township, Pennsylvania

ABC27.com reported that a woman found an apparently homeless cat outdoors in the rain. When she attempted to rescue the animal, she was attacked and sustained injuries. Authorities contained the cat the next day, and he or she was euthanized. Testing revealed that the cat had been rabid. No additional information was available.

Wichita, Kansas

KSN.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been “found on a [tree] stump, just shivering and screaming in the snow,” by workers at a veterinary hospital. According to a spokesperson for the hospital, the kitten’s body temperature was low and he required heat therapy but was expected to survive.

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

IHeartRadio.ca reported that an apparently homeless kitten had fallen into a pool of freezing water. According to the report, he “was ice-cold by the time he was rescued.” He was taken to an animal adoption group, where he remained in intensive care. A spokesperson for the group said that “his body temperature was so low that it wouldn’t read on a thermometer” when he was found. He required heat therapy, his limbs were badly swollen, and he was described as “very weak.” It wasn’t clear whether he’d survive.

Fresno, California

YourCentralValley.com reported that a homeless cat described as “[a] community cat” had been found injured and limping. A passerby took the animal to a veterinary hospital but couldn’t afford the cost of needed treatment. After an animal adoption group evidently agreed to pay for the treatment, it was found that the animal “suffered from a broken leg after being shot by a pellet gun and possibly hit by a car.” The break was severe and required surgery as well as the installation of a metal pin. It was expected that he’d require weeks of treatment. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified about the shooting, but no suspects were identified.

Richmond, Virginia

WRIC.com reported that a cat who had escaped from his home had been found “in a backyard a few doors down the street” with a pellet gunshot wound to the shoulder. He was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment and was expected to survive. Authorities reportedly identified a suspect and charged him with cruelty to animals. According to the report, “This took place just weeks after another cat was shot with a pellet gun” in another part of the city.

Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada

DailyHive.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been trapped by a resident who had evidently left him in the trap for some time before taking him to an animal shelter. The receiving shelter said in a social media post that the animal was “[c]overed in snow, frozen to the metal bottom, and bleeding upon arrival at the shelter.” He was rushed to a veterinary hospital for treatment for injuries, including ones to his paw pads, and was expected to survive. The shelter said that it didn’t believe there was malicious intent on the part of the individual who had trapped the cat.

Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Kitchener.CityNews.ca reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found frozen to death by a neighbor. Authorities were notified. No additional information was available.

Brighton, Colorado

DenverPost.com reported that “at least six” homeless cats had been found dead and that authorities had “received unconfirmed reports that another six to 12 also died.” According to the report, “Only one of the six dead cats was in a condition that allowed testing, and that animal tested positive for FPV [feline panleukopenia virus]. All the cats belong to the same feral colony.”

Ware County, Georgia

ActionNewsJAX.com reported that a kitten who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been kicked across his owner’s yard by a neighbor. The cat’s owner said the neighbor was “screaming belligerently that my dogs were in her yard” before she kicked the kitten, which sent him “flying in the air.” The kitten sustained bruising but was expected to survive. The neighbor was charged with cruelty to animals.

Chandler, Arizona

AOL.com reported that an unspecified number of homeless cats—who had been sterilized and reabandoned by a group of people—had been found injured or dead after they were evidently shot with a BB or pellet gun. According to the report, the group admitted to burying some of the cats after finding them dead. Most recently, a cat was reportedly found unable to use her rear legs and had to be rescued from under a trailer where she’d dragged herself. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Monroe County, West Virginia

WVNSTV.com reported that a homeless cat had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Lakeland, Florida

WestOrlandoNews.com reported that two cats and a dog who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had died after consuming poison that was allegedly placed in a neighbor’s yard. According to the report, the neighbor “had repeatedly threatened to poison” the animals if they continued entering her yard. The report said that the cats “died within hours of each other, both exhibiting the following symptoms: choking, unable to breathe, foaming from the mouth, and in obvious significant pain.” Hours later, the dog died with similar symptoms. The neighbor was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals.

Daytona Beach, Florida

News-JournalOnline.com reported that authorities had charged a man with cruelty to animals after he allegedly trapped a cat in a box trap on a cold day and sprayed the animal with what a witness said “looked and sounded like a high-pressure water hose.” According to an affidavit, the witness provided authorities with “video of the incident, where [the suspect] is allegedly seen ‘picking up the cage containing the cat and dropping it harshly on the ground in between bouts of spraying [him or her] with the hose.’” When he was confronted by the witness, the suspect allegedly said that the cat “shouldn’t have been in his yard.” It wasn’t known whether the cat had survived.

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

WVNSTV.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

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