MONROE - The cats rescued from an August animal hoarding incident in Monroe still need time before they can be adopted, a representative of the Green County Humane Society said Thursday.
Laci Westgard, director of public affairs, said the cats remain in isolation.
Although the society has completed spaying and neutering operations, the majority of the adult cats retrieved from the hoarding house have not noticeably changed their behavior since being resettled at the shelter, Westgard said.
"Unfortunately, they just didn't have the socialization that they needed," Westgard said. "They don't trust people very much yet."
Fifty cats were retrieved from a Monroe residence in early August after the homeowner, 78-year-old Delores Marti, was discovered keeping dozens of cats in the house that was subsequently condemned. Forty-two dead cats were also found on the scene.
Westgard said the adult cats do not appear to be domesticated and will need to be adopted as outdoor cats if they do become socialized.
However, Westgard said, about six of the rescued cats are kittens and are responding more favorably to socializing. Westgard said the kittens will be able to be adopted as indoor cats when they are older.
Westgard said the humane society will continue to care for and assess the cats' conditions. People interested in adopting or donating to the cats' care fund can contact the Green County Humane Society at (608) 325-9600.
Laci Westgard, director of public affairs, said the cats remain in isolation.
Although the society has completed spaying and neutering operations, the majority of the adult cats retrieved from the hoarding house have not noticeably changed their behavior since being resettled at the shelter, Westgard said.
"Unfortunately, they just didn't have the socialization that they needed," Westgard said. "They don't trust people very much yet."
Fifty cats were retrieved from a Monroe residence in early August after the homeowner, 78-year-old Delores Marti, was discovered keeping dozens of cats in the house that was subsequently condemned. Forty-two dead cats were also found on the scene.
Westgard said the adult cats do not appear to be domesticated and will need to be adopted as outdoor cats if they do become socialized.
However, Westgard said, about six of the rescued cats are kittens and are responding more favorably to socializing. Westgard said the kittens will be able to be adopted as indoor cats when they are older.
Westgard said the humane society will continue to care for and assess the cats' conditions. People interested in adopting or donating to the cats' care fund can contact the Green County Humane Society at (608) 325-9600.