Rescue groups and city crews are in a full-on race to trap and remove an estimated 60 cats from a single home in Pittsburgh’s Perry South neighborhood after neighbors reported skeletal-looking animals and an overpowering odor leaking from the property. Small, volunteer-run rescues started setting traps last Friday and have already moved dozens of cats into foster homes and local shelters. The City of Pittsburgh says it is providing food and water on-site while partners coordinate the ongoing roundup.
According to WPXI, Whisker Wonderland owner Anna Montano jumped in after a neighbor texted her about cats slipping in and out of the home’s windows. Since Friday, she has taken in seven cats. The station reports that Heart of Glass Animal Rescue has accepted three more, Trash Cat Rescue has taken four, and Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh had seven in its care as of Monday. City officials told WPXI they are coordinating with partners to remove cats from both inside the house and the surrounding property as the response continues.
Rescuer on the ground
Montano runs Whisker Wonderland, a small cat lounge and rescue in Bellevue that has already pulled dozens of cats from local neighborhoods in past seasons, often fronting hefty vet and trapping bills herself. Pittsburgh City Paper profiled the rescue last year, noting how tiny organizations like hers end up doing much of the gritty, hands-on field work. Larger groups such as Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh typically step in when the numbers surge, transporting and triaging big intakes during hoarding responses.
Why hoarding cases strain rescues
Cases like this hit every weak spot in the animal welfare system at once, straining veterinary appointments, foster rosters and shelter space while volunteers work through slow, detailed medical triage. In one earlier example, city officials and local rescues removed roughly two dozen cats from a Lawrenceville home in 2021, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. That history helps explain why small rescues now push for quick reporting, coordinated trapping and steady donations whenever a new hoarding situation surfaces.
How to help
Montano asked neighbors not to leave food outside, warning that it can make trapping harder, and urged donations to small rescues so they can keep catching and treating the cats, WPXI reports. If you can provide short-term foster space or supplies, check with local groups such as Trash Cat Rescue and the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh for current wish lists and volunteer needs. To report animals in immediate danger, contact the City’s animal control or the non-emergency police line so trained responders can step in safely.
