100 Cats Were Evacuated to Massachusetts via Plane to Save Them from the Deadly Kentucky Storm
It was in the dead of night in December 2021 when Western Kentucky was devastated by a violent tornado. The tornado crossed through 11 counties in the region, traveling for more than 160 miles.
There were 57 human casualties in Kentucky alone caused by the tornado, and thousands of families were affected. Unreported in these statistics are the family pets and animals displaced by the series of tornadoes that crossed through several southern states.
To make room for the anticipated rise in displaced animals, the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) coordinated with The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) to relocate 100 cats from their shelter. KHS is the largest adoption agency in the state.
This meant that many animals that would find themselves without a home or separated from their families would be surrendered under their care. To ensure they had a safe place to go, KHS made the decision to relocate most of the cats in their care.
Fortunately, the director of MSPCA immediately called KHS to offer assistance. The director, Mike Keiley, knew that they had enough room to house that many cats at the MSPCA and the Northeast Animal Shelter.
On the morning of the flight, the KHS staff and volunteers prepared 100 cats for the plane ride to Massachusetts.
All 100 cats were fed and secured in clean, travel-safe carriers for their trip.
Each cat had ice cubes to stay hydrated during their two-hour plane ride.
Their transport from the KHS shelter to the airport was carefully planned and documented via social media.
The staff and volunteers from MSPCA and their followers were also anticipating the arrival of the hundred cats.
They posted an update once the vans full of cats arrived safely at the airport.
Look at all those cats of various colors, shapes, and sizes waiting patiently for their trip!
KHS did an excellent job securing the hundred cats in their travel-safe carriers.
The organization was thrilled to announce that their beloved shelter cats had arrived safely in Massachusetts.
They were met by MSPCA staff and volunteers to be transferred to their Cape Cod Adoption Center and another adoption center in Salem.
They were very carefully unloaded from the transport plane, ready for the next leg of the trip.
The ASPCA, or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, supported the transport and ensured that a safe plane ride to Massachusetts was possible.
It was a challenging time for Kentucky, but with the support and coordination of local and national organizations, the cats were relocated to a safe place.
The hope was to have the 100 cats settle into their new environment quickly.
They were observed for a 48-hour quarantine period for a health check. The shelters had to ensure the cats were in top condition before preparing them for adoption before the holidays.
A call for donations was also posted to appeal to the hearts of generous individuals to provide for their needs. Caring for 100 cats is no small feat, even for a well-supported organization.
They offered discounted adoption prices to anyone interested in rehoming the evacuated cats. A quick adoption into a loving family is ideal to alleviate all the stress the cats have experienced.
This incredible journey was only possible because of the hard work put in by all the volunteers and staff from the organizations involved. Thanks to them, all 100 of those cats have a new lease on life!
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