Since last December, Providence Animal Control has been trapping and removing cats from a hoarding situation in Providence.

This has overwhelmed the intake at Pawswatch Greico Community Cat Care Center in Johnston, which is on the receiving end of many of these cats. So far, over 40 cats have been in their care and more will be coming.

The trapping process for Providence Animal Control has been slow and arduous due to the animals hiding throughout the house. As the cats are brought in, sometimes in groups of 10 or more they require immediate medical attention. All have to be vaccinated, spayed and receive a wellness exam to ensure they are healthy. Once they are deemed adoptable, they are posted as available.

Hoarding situations are extremely difficult due to the enormity of the problem. In this case, the homeowner is complying with Providence Animal Control in order to remove and re-home the cats. The Providence Animal Control officer said, “We are getting full cooperation from the homeowners so this is the reason that no charges are being filed.”

The cats range in age from kittens to adults and they have been receiving the basics of food and water in their home, so most are in overall good health. Currently Pawswatch has vetted and cared for 40 cats and are prepared to receive more once they are trapped. Pawswatch is housing these animals at their facility in Johnston and once they have been medically cleared they are put into a large room for socialization with their volunteers.

Many of these cats are petrified and try to hide but with time, patience and proper care they are slowly coming along. The cats that are up for adoption will require specialized care, if you think your home might be the perfect place for one of these cats to blossom then please contact Pawswatch.

Pawswatch is reaching out to the community for help care for these animals. With regard to getting these animals healthy and adopted, Dianne Lapointe of Pawswatch said, “The Community Cat Care Center is dedicated to make sure this happens.”

Currently Pawswatch is in need of the following: monetary donations first and foremost as they medical costs are exorbitant, supplies (please contact to see what is needed most), volunteers, foster homes, adopters and barns for the less socialized. If you can help in any way they ask that you contact them via their Facebook page, Pawswatch at the Community Cat Care Center, or email them at communitycatcarecenter@gmail.com. The center is also generally open from Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but it is currently by appointment only due to the coronavirus.