An abandoned sailboat carrying 31 cats was found anchored off the beach in Tacoma, Washington, prompting a two-day rescue operation by police and animal control officers.
On the morning of August 6, police received a report about the abandoned boat. Local residents had spotted dozens of cats aboard and alerted authorities.
The sailboat had a registered owner, so Animal Control obtained a search warrant before entering the vessel. Officers boarded the boat with police and forensic personnel and found 31 cats roaming freely, with no sign of a human occupant.
The animals had access to most of the boat but were hiding in tight and difficult-to-reach spaces. This made the rescue more difficult and extended the operation over two days. Officers eventually placed all the cats in carriers and took them to a local animal shelter.
Animal control officials said the cats may have lived on the boat for several months or even longer. However, the animals appeared to be in relatively good condition. Specialists found evidence that someone had been providing them with food and water.
Authorities identified the boat’s owner through its registration number but have not been able to contact him. It remains unclear how the cats ended up aboard the vessel or why it was abandoned.
