PONDERAY — Better Together Animal Alliance is seeking the community’s help as it supports several hundred cats involved in three recent overpopulation cases in Bonner County.

The discovery of nearly 250 kittens and cats has the Ponderay-based animal alliance working to provide support and care for the animals, BTAA officials said Thursday. The cases include a location in Careywood, where 25 animals were found; a Priest River location, where 100 animals were found; and a Sagle location, where another 100 animals were discovered.

Two of the situations involved properties where the homeowners had passed away, said Mandy Evans, BTAA executive director. That left the animals without food or water.

The third case involves a similar situation, where a family member is battling a health challenge. Several animals that had not been spayed or neutered quickly multiplied.

“Unfortunately during this time, the cat population exploded, and now they’re in a situation that’s above and beyond,” said Dig Chrismer, BTAA’s manager of storytelling and public relations. “We’re really happy that they’re reaching out for help, and that’s to their credit. They recognize that this is beyond them, and that’s what we’re here for.”

Working closely with community members, BTAA is supplying critical resources — including food, vaccines, and spay and neuter services — to improve the lives of the cats and kittens, many of whom are domesticated, Evans said.

“We are calling on our community to help us provide compassionate care to these cats and kittens during this urgent situation,” she said. “By partnering with caregivers, we can ensure these cats don’t go hungry, provide them with spay and neuter services to prevent continued overpopulation, and vaccinate each animal to protect them at this vulnerable time.”

The animal alliance is working with homeowners and residents in the three areas to care for the animals, as well as trap, neuter and release any feral cats.

Adding to the challenge is a backlog of animals at BTAA’s Ponderay facility waiting to be spayed or neutered. The backlog is especially acute among cats, with 100 of the 141 animals at the facility being felines.

Both Evans and Chrismer encouraged individuals to create a care plan for their pets in the event of a medical crisis or the owner's passing.

“If you have pets, create a plan,” Chrismer said. “Where are they going to go? What is going to happen to them if I pass or if something happens to me? Create a plan so that they get the care and attention they need if something happens to their primary caregiver.”

As the animal alliance works to care for the cats, Evans said donations of adult cat food are urgently needed to keep the animals healthy while long-term care plans are put in place. Monetary donations are also needed to help cover the cost of vaccines, veterinary care, and spay/neuter surgeries.

Donations of dry adult cat food can be dropped off at the alliance, 870 Kootenai Cutoff Road in Ponderay, or made through Walmart, North 40, Petco or the BTAA Chewy wishlist.

Monetary donations can be made online at mightycause.com/story/k1h8lf or by calling 208-265-7297, ext. 100, to give directly toward the cats’ care.

“Every bag of food, every dollar, every share makes a difference,” Evans said.

And for those looking for a “fur-ever” friend, Chrismer and Evans encouraged them to visit the shelter in person or online.

“Adopting a cat helps free up shelter space so that BTAA can intake vulnerable cats and find them new homes,” Chrismer said.

Information: bettertogetheranimalalliance.org

    A few of the kittens which have made their way to the Better Together Animal Alliance's Ponderay facility after a trio of cat overpopulation cases in Bonner County were discovered recently.