More than 60 cats rescued from Toronto apartment need urgent medical attention

One of more than 60 cats that were removed from a one-bedroom apartment by Toronto Animal Services and brought to the shelter last week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ho-Toronto Cat Rescue

   The Canadian Press: TORONTO - An animal rescue group says more than 60 cats need immediate medical attention after being rescued from a Toronto apartment in "deplorable condition."
   Toronto Cat Rescue says the Ragdoll and Himalayan cats were removed from a one-bedroom apartment by Toronto Animal Services and brought to the shelter last week.
   The cats suffered through a "terrible hoarding case," rescue staff said. Their owner reported and surrendered them after she was hospitalized and realized she could no longer care for them.
   Heather Brown, executive director of Toronto Cat Rescue, said many of the cats have skin lesions, rotting and broken teeth, upper respiratory infections and eye infections. But the first priority for each cat is shaving it down to the skin. Their coats are completely matted with urine and feces, she said, which causes them severe pain.
   "They're terrified, obviously. They have no idea what's happening to them," Brown said. "But already we're seeing signs that they're grateful. As we're shaving them they're purring, and just so happy to get some relief from the discomfort."...Read more...