Furever Cat Angels, a cat rescue organization in Canton, is currently unable to take in more animals due to an influx of cases requiring assistance. The organization recently had to close its doors to new intakes as they struggle with overcrowding.
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Marissa Beaulieu, the founder of the rescue, emphasized that many residents are unaware of the crisis impacting local animal welfare. "Most people don't know the severity of this crisis because they aren't part of the rescue community. That's why we're using our voices. The animals don't have one. We need our officials and our communities to recognize what is happening and step up," Beaulieu stated.
She highlighted that the cats being rescued are often friendly pets that have been abandoned, rather than feral animals. "These are friendly cats that people have put outside. We don't like having kittens in crates. They've never been in a crate, and neither have their mothers, but we have zero space," she explained.
According to Beaulieu, small rescue organizations across Connecticut are overwhelmed by numerous cases of abandonment, neglect, starvation, illness, and abuse. She described the situation on the streets of Hartford as "heartbreaking and, frankly, unacceptable,” noting the prevalence of sick animals, pregnant cats, and abandoned kittens struggling to survive. The issue of overpopulation is exacerbated by limited access to affordable spay and neuter services and veterinary care.
Furthermore, Beaulieu stated that costs for rescues are on the rise, forcing many organizations to rely on fundraising or personal funds to assist animals. "We are often left fundraising or paying out of our own pockets to save animals because there is nowhere else to turn. We don't have grants or support from the city, animal control, the state, or the federal government,” she said.
As a result, many animals are left suffering outdoors without adequate food, water, shelter, or safe spaces for their young. Beaulieu encourages community involvement beyond fostering or financial donations. "Adopt, volunteer, share a rescue's posts, attend an event, fundraise, or simply reach out to a small local rescue and ask, ‘How can I help?’ The small local rescues are doing everything we can, but we are completely inundated and cannot do this alone," she said.
Furever Cat Angels will host two adoption events in Simsbury on Saturday, where dozens of cats and kittens will have the opportunity to find permanent homes. Prospective adopters can meet available animals at The Coffee Spot from 10 a.m. to noon and at Tractor Supply from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with preapproval available for those interested in adopting.