MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (April 22, 2025) — Last week, Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) officers, in coordination with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, rescued 23 cats aboard a boat anchored near the King Fish Boat Ramp.
 
When officers arrived, they found the boat to be unsafe due to extreme heat, poor ventilation and unsanitary conditions caused by the number of animals onboard. Though food had been provided, the overall environment posed serious health and safety risks for the animals.
 
Despite facing housing instability, the cats’ owners had been visiting the boat daily by kayak to provide food and care. Recognizing the cats needed more suitable living conditions, they made the difficult decision to surrender them so they could have a better chance at a healthy, stable life.
 
“There was no doubt the owners cared about the cats, but the space simply wasn’t equipped for that many animals,” said Steve Bell, Field Services Supervisor with Manatee County Animal Welfare. “After talking with us, they made the incredibly difficult but selfless decision to surrender the majority of the cats.”
 
The 23 cats, ranging in age from one to seven years old, were safely transported by boat and brought to Bishop Animal Shelter, where they were immediately evaluated, vaccinated and cared for by the shelter’s veterinary team.
 
“This was a large and unexpected intake, but our team at Bishop acted quickly and compassionately to ensure each cat received the care it needed,” said Bell. “These cats were given warm baths, clean bedding, medical attention and most importantly, hope.”
 
While many of the cats remain at Bishop, some have already been transferred to Cat Town, MCAW’s feline-specific shelter in Bradenton, to help accommodate the intake and prepare the cats for adoption.
 
The original owners are continuing to work with MCAW to safely trap and sterilize the five remaining cats, which they plan to keep. The County has offered to cover the cost of sterilization.
 
The cats are now available for adoption at Bishop Animal Shelter, located at 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209, and Cat Town at 216 6th Ave. E., Bradenton, 34208. Whether you adopt, foster or simply share their story, you can be part of giving these cats the fresh start they deserve.