Katrina cats in need of Utah homes

Although the disastrous effects of Hurricane Katrina no longer dominate headlines and the nightly news, some of Katrina's smallest victims still need help.

More than two months after Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf Coast, animals continue to be found — many, remarkably, alive. While skin and bones, thousands of creatures, mostly dogs and cats, have been pulled from under floor-boards, carried off roofs and lifted from the streets. Animal rescue teams continue to search the Gulf Coast, leaving fresh water and dry food behind.

"There are still tremendous numbers of animals in the various parishes," Francis Battista, director of animal care for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary, said in an e-mail interview. "Most of those locked in homes have died, but a very few are still being found alive, depending on how much food was left behind and the animals' health and strength. Most of the animals being brought in have been living under abandoned buildings and living off of food left at feeding stations by humane workers and rescuers."

No More Homeless Pets in Utah has 17 cats that were rescued out of the rubble in the Gulf Coast. The nonprofit group is looking to place the felines, who were up for adoption before disaster hit. Upcoming adoptions will be this week: Wednesday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Sandy PetSmart at 10329 S. State.

Following the tragedy, the nonprofit group sent out vans to aid Katrina animal rescue efforts. Thirty cats were rescued from a shelter in Mississippi that was without electricity or running water and brought back to Salt Lake City. Previously, the cats were in a Louisiana shelter until it was destroyed by the hurricane. Because the felines needed to be quarantined and get a health certificate, they were not ready for the September Super Adoption of other rescued animals.

"They were all sweet cats, even after all the stuff they've been through," said Erin Fell, spay and neuter director with No More Homeless Pets in Utah, who has worked closely with the cats since their arrival in Salt Lake City. After their first shelter was destroyed, the second was damaged, they were transported for more than 24 hours and endured blood tests and exams, "They were so happy. It's almost like they knew they were being helped out."

"It's amazing. They are finding them weeks after Katrina, in houses. It really speaks to their amazing resilience."

In addition to the 30 cats from Mississippi, No More Homeless Pets in Utah also saved 28 dogs and another 17 cats from a shelter in Texas, all of which have been adopted.