Volunteers needed to help Houston abandoned cats

HOUSTON — Rescuers are seeking extra hands to help save 20 abandoned cats.

Volunteers from cat rescue organizations are trying to save the emaciated cats, but the animals require medical attention. The cats are housed at Houston Animal Control.

The biggest need, said Susan Helmericks of Mat Valley Kitties Rescue, is for people with some experience handling cats to come hold the felines while medicines and fluids are administered.

“They are not going to survive if not properly medicated,” Helmericks said.

Early this week, Houston Mayor Virgie Thompson designated Helmericks as the contact person for organizing volunteers.

Volunteers have been working long hours since July 18 to try to save the cats left behind when Fred Hallamek left the state and his foreclosed home.

At least four cats were found dead.

So far, no charges have been filed against Hallamek. But Thompson has said the city plans to pursue charges against the homeowner who abandoned the cats.

Experienced veterinarian technicians and others with experience giving cats fluids, injections and medicines are particularly needed.

Other help needed includes people willing to pet the cats so they will eat, do laundry, clean boxes and perform other simple tasks.

Helmericks said the initial group of volunteers faded away after a few days, leaving only a core group of volunteers from the area’s cat rescue groups to take care of all of the tasks with some help from Houston officials.

“It’s getting pretty desperate,” Helmericks said.

Some of the cats have been released for fostering by experienced caregivers. Other cats could leave the shelter under the care of volunteers with medical experience, Helmericks said.

For more information, people may contact Helmericks at 841-7711.

Donations designated to the Houston cats may be made to Mat Valley Kitties, Clear Creek Cat Rescue or Alaska Cat Adoption Team. All have PayPal donation buttons on their websites.