23 Cats Rescued from House of Horror

The Metrowest Animal Awareness Society is a feline rescue organization headed by Jocelyne Durrenberger, who recently received four rescued cats from a disastrous hoarding situation in nearby Leominster. These cats are going to need good homes. Based out of 12-18 local homes, MAAS is a nonprofit organization which boasts over 325 adoptions each year. Focusing its efforts on feral (undomesticated) cats and the “trap, neuter, return” (TNR) philosophy, MAAS runs completely on donations and sponsorships. Programs such as “Chip In” and generous food donations from Hannafords in Hudson and Pet Source in both Marlborough and Stow are a tremendous help to the volunteer organization. MAAS is run by 30-40 volunteers who help trap the cats, make phone calls, answer the hot-lines and process applications. Durrenberger, herself a part-time nurse practitioner, dedicates at least 30-40 hours a week to helping the many cats roaming the streets and yards of the Metrowest area.   As president of MAAS, Durrenberger is often asked why she continues rescuing cats when the organization is constantly losing money, with circumstances that always start with a sad situation and with people who are often less than  enthusiastic about the rescue. She responds to this inquiry saying, “it is incredibly gratifying to know that we can improve the life of the cats and that of the people adopting them as well.”   MAAS helped rescue 23 cats from a “house of horror” in Leominster last week, a situation that got media attention from Channel 5 news, NECN, the Worcester Telegram and the Leominster Sentinel. Four of these cats found their way to Durrenberger’s home in Hudson where they await adoption. Upon rescue, cats are first treated for fleas and worms and are given a distemper vaccine. Next, they are transported to the vet where they are tested for leukemia, FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and heart-worm. They receive a rabies shot and then are spayed or neutered. Upon completion, a health certificate is issued and the cats are ready for adoption. The cost to MAAS for the medical care runs about $150 per cat.  Several days ago the group took in an additional three senior cats from a woman who was going to euthanize them. These cats will also take a while to place, said Durrenberger, and they are desperately short of space for new intakes. Finding good homes for these cats is a priority so they are able to take in other emergency cases.  As part of their desire to curb the influx of cats in the Metrowest area, MAAS wants to spay/neuter 200 local cats this year at a cost of $10 each. This offer would apply to cat owners who live in Section 8 housing. With the cost of spaying/neutering costing an average of $95-$125, this humanitarian effort is an example of the care, concern and generosity of MAAS.   The cats in these photographs are eagerly awaiting a home. Perhaps you would consider adopting one or even donating to this compassionate, dedicated organization. For more information go to their website. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on all Marlborough news.