60 cats rescued from abandoned boat anchored off Washington state

A week-long rescue operation concluded with the safe removal of 60 cats and kittens from an abandoned sailboat anchored near Tacoma's Owen Beach in Washington state. Police described the scene aboard the 40-foot vessel as "unexpected" and the conditions as "unsafe."

Officers first responded to reports of the abandoned boat on August 6. Upon boarding, they discovered dozens of felines, many of whom were frightened and malnourished. Rescue crews, working in protective gear, carefully collected each animal over several days.

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While we believe we have safely removed all of the cats from the boat, as any cat owner knows, cats are exceptionally good at hiding. Because there is always a possibility that a cat may remain [on board], our work isn't quite finished.

"Many of the cats were frightened and malnourished, requiring patience, care, and a tremendous amount of teamwork from our members," the Tacoma Police Department stated. They noted that cats are "exceptionally good at hiding," and while they believe all felines have been removed, their work is not quite finished.

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The final cat is off the boat. Fur real this time!

Authorities are continuing an active criminal investigation into the abandonment of the boat and the animals. They are asking the public for help in spotting any remaining cats. Residents visiting Owen Beach are advised not to board the vessel themselves but to report any sightings with a photo, date, time, and location to Tacoma Animal Control.

The sailboat is slated to be moved unless its owner is found. Current city regulations in Tacoma limit pet ownership to six dogs and cats per household.

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Many of the cats were frightened and malnourished, requiring patience, care, and a tremendous amount of teamwork from our members.