OC Animal Care is calling on animal rescues and community members to help give a fresh start to dozens of cats found living in “deplorable” conditions that will need lots of training before they can be adopted as pets.

The county shelter was contacted late last month about the surrendering of the rescued 85 pets, mostly cats and two dogs. Because of their living conditions, the animals are in a high state of fear, officials said, some lashing out at staff, making them ineligible for immediate public adoption.

“Their behavior is very typical of those involved in animal overcrowding and will need time, space and patience to become more social,” Alexa Pratt, a public information officer for the county animal shelter, said. “These cats are not used to human interaction, being touched and are very fearful. They have a long road to becoming what we would consider a companion pet cat, but their behaviors can evolve and grow as their environment changes.”

Only two of the cats are considered ready for going home with a family as a pet and are available adoption.

Pratt said the shelter’s staff is working with the other cats using positive reinforcement techniques such as petting, treats and praise, to get them to open up and become used to being around people. But the shelter can’t do it alone, officials said.

Two male tabby cats, among 83 cats surrendered to OC Animal Care late last month, is at the shelter in Tustin. Most of the cats, including these two, are not well socialized and not yet available for adoption. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Shelter officials feel another 61 cats could go to rescues or fosters for continuing their socialization with more individual attention than the shelter could provide.

“No matter how nice our shelter is, it’s still not a quiet, comfortable home,” Pratt said. “By working with members of the community and partner agencies, we hope to transition these cats from the shelter to a home environment where they can continue their road to recovery by giving them more individualized attention where they can learn to trust again and be loved like they deserve.”

Already, Martin’s Home, a rescue organization for homeless and abused animals in Escondido, has taken in six cats to be rehabilitated and eventually housed.

In the meantime, the shelter will continue making the more social cats available for public adoption as they are ready, and some cats have shown much progress, Pratt said.

“A few of the cats are starting to warm up to people and appreciate a good head scratch,” she said.

The shelter is also hoping animal rescue partners can help “think outside the box” to find placement for some of the animals – maybe at indoor warehouses where they do not need street smarts to survive, but aren’t expected to be someone’s cuddly pet. The cats have not lived outside, Pratt said, so they wouldn’t be candidates for living in barn homes or outdoor colonies.

One mom cat with her four kittens and another with eight kittens are currently in foster care. And, thanks to one of the dogs having a microchip, staff were able to find and reunite him with his family who had lost him four years ago.

Those unable to adopt or foster can also donate enrichment items for the cats, such as interactive toys.

Those interested in fostering a pet can email [email protected]. Community members who see animals in need are also urged to contact the shelter at 714-935-6848.

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