A local cat rescuer is hoping a tragic situation can shine a light on the need for people to take care of each other, and be a voice for the helpless in the process. A Bedford County individual was recently found deceased in their residence, likely several days to a week following their death. Laura Meyers, who runs Mom's Pets Cat Rescue in Six Mile Run, said she was...
A local cat rescuer is hoping a tragic situation can shine a light on the need for people to take care of each other, and be a voice for the helpless in the process.
A Bedford County individual was recently found deceased in their residence, likely several days to a week following their death. When authorities arrived, they found dozens of cats on the property, some alive, some deceased, some running free, others in cages.
The property was dotted with the remains of deceased cats in various stages of composition.
Cages of cats were inside a closed shed with no air flow, she said, with living cats confined in cages next to cats who had perished.
There is the obvious tragedy of the individual's death and the suffering animals, but there is also a sadness that the individual's death went unnoticed, Meyers said.
"It just seems like people have gotten so self-absorbed they forget there are people out there in the heat and humidity and it's hard on them," she explained.
While there is no information on the individual's cause of death, extreme temperatures can be hard on the elderly.
"When the temperatures are high, it is important to check on older individuals in our community, making sure they have enough to drink and they're staying hydrated," Brode said.
On a very general level, "There are a lot of older adults who don't have support and can be easily forgotten about," Brode added. "Know your neighbors and be looking out for them."
Brode said her agency can help point people in the direction of resources for older adults, including welfare checks, and take reports on abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonments among a multitude of other services offered to adults aged 60 and older.
Senior Centers can offer cool environments with healthy meals, and a way for people to check in with others, Brode added, both for safety reasons, and socialization.
Meyers said she was called in by state police for this case, and it marks the third time this year they have contacted her in response to hoarded cat situations.
While she doesn't know why any of the felines were caged, what is important now is the care and well-being of the ones she was able to save.
Meyers said she pulled 17 cats from the property. Two passed away during transit. One more has since passed.
"I can't even imagine the pain they were going through, sitting in those cages with no food or water in that heat," Meyers said. "They were more wanting water than food."
One cat's nails had grown and curled around like snails into the flesh of its paws, a result of not having anything to scratch on in the cage, she said.
"A lot of people aren't able to go to a job like this. They can't handle seeing stuff like that. I just try to get it in my mindset, if I save one pet, it was worth going in for," Meyers said. "I can't not help."
However, the influx of cats is putting a strain on her resources.
"We are getting pretty full," Meyers said. "No matter how many I help, my phone is always ringing."
She believes that recent news reports about hoarding situations are spurring some individuals to seek help before they are arrested and facing serious charges.
Other individuals who want to be responsible pet owners are struggling with the rising costs of veterinary care, Meyers explained. It costs more to spay a female than neuter a male, and the kittens just keep coming.
"I've been doing this for many years, and I can't see that we're getting ahead at all," Meyers said, describing it as an "ocean-sized problem" that she is "dipping out with a teaspoon."
Anyone wishing to donate to Mom's Pets can do so by sending funds directly to the veterinarian, At Home Veterinary Care, Roaring Spring, in the rescue's name.
Donations of food, cat litter, and other products can be sent directly to the rescue at
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