Exotic cats surrendered by hoarder are up for adoption

By Crystal Bozek
Staff Writer

May 08, 2008 05:02 am

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METHUEN — Many of these exotic felines can easily run you $600 to $1,000.

But for a limited time, dozens of Sphynxes, Himalayans, Munchkins, Devon Rexes, Ragdolls and Siamese are at Nevins Farm for a mere $125 adoption fee.

A woman who had been hoarding the cats voluntarily surrendered 51 of them to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals this week.

"There are some bizarre breeds here; ones you don't see in this area," said Mike Keiley, manager at the animal adoption center. "The cats are mostly pure-bred. It's rare to get so many in a hoarding case. This is what sets this one apart."

Keiley would not release the woman's name or hometown — only saying she was middle-aged and from the Merrimack Valley.

"It appears that she probably was buying them as well as breeding them and selling them," Keiley said. "Most hoarders start accidentally, helping out neighborhood cats. People give you more and more. ... This started with a different intent. But it ended just as bad. The house conditions were not very good."

The woman went out of her way to obtain these cats, he said.

Depending on the breeder, Sphynx cats — the nearly hairless felines made famous in the Austin Powers movies — can cost up to $1,000. Munchkins, a newer breed characterized by abnormally short legs, can carry a price tag of more than $500.

"These aren't your everyday cats," Keiley said. "You acquire these from breeders. They aren't too popular in this community."

Veterinarians are treating the pricey felines for upper respiratory and eye infections, as well as ringworm. None are so sick they will die or cannot be adopted.

Besides treatment, MSPCA staff will spay and neuter the cats and place identification microchips in them.

Keiley would love to find permanent homes for all 51 cats, but in the meantime is looking for "foster parents" — people who can take them temporarily and nurse them back to health.

Not really a cat person?

Nevins is also looking for donations to help with surgeries, food, supplies and basic medical costs.

"Right now, monetarily, we really need some help with getting these guys on their feet," Keiley said.

MSPCA staff sees at least one hoarding case every year.

The last time he saw so many neglected pure-bred cats was about nine years ago, in the Hardacre case. Police condemned Beverley and John Hardacre's Methuen home while they were away on vacation after finding 150 felines roaming inside. There were also several feline corpses littering the home.

"Many were dead in that case," Keiley said. "It was the worst the staff has ever seen."

Keiley emphasized the importance of finding these cats homes, saying the shelter is already overwhelmed with animals. If they run out of space, they may have to euthanize some cats, he said.

"We really don't want to do that," he said. "We need the community's help."

Want to adopt?

The MSPCA prefers drop-ins for adoptions. It is at 400 Broadway (Route 28) in Methuen, near the Route 213 offramps. People can also call 978-687-7453.

The center is open:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday: Noon to 7 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m.

Monday: Closed

Is this the cat for you?

Ragdoll: Affectionate, gentle, good with kids

Siamese: Dependent, extremely vocal, curious

Devon Rex: Powerful jumpers, mischievous, can be trained to do tricks

Munchkin: Abnormally short legs, "ferret like" in their playfulness

Sphynx: Better for people with allergies, curious, high maintenance

Himalayan: Sweet-tempered, intelligent, prone to hairballs

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