Nearly 100 cats rescued from ‘biohazardous apartment’ in Federal Way

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Around 100 cats have been rescued from a “biohazardous apartment” in Federal Way and transported to the Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce County.

According to the Humane Society, an estimated 100 cats were rescued by the Federal Way Animal Control from a vacant property. A two-bedroom, one-bedroom, second-floor apartment unit filled with inches of “excrement covering the floors, no area untouched by cat feces and urine.”

The cats were infested with fleas and did not have access to food or water, the Humane Society said.

The shelter said that as of Wednesday they were caring for 195 cats. By that afternoon, 34 cats that were rescued arrived at the shelter. That number rose to 232 after regular drop-offs by Pierce County residents.

On Thursday, more cats were transported to the shelter. Staff said more cats are expected to arrive.

“This is a massive undertaking and strain on our resources,” says Leslie Dalzell, chief executive officer at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. “In addition to the estimated 100 cats coming in as they are safely captured by our animal control partners, we are already caring for nearly 700 animals in our facility and in foster homes. We've had to resort to using temporary kennels to house cats.”

Each cat will undergo a wellness exam, parasite treatment, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries and other care before becoming available for adoption.

“We are our community’s pet resource center, providing for animals who need us most. Right now, these cats need us, but we can’t do any of this lifesaving work without our network of supporters,” Dalzell said. “Whether it is donating supplies or opening your heart and home to foster a cat, you can play a vital role in helping animals who need us most.”

The Humane Society said three ways people can help is by making monetary donations, donating supplies, or fostering.