Less than two months ago, there seemed to be little hope for them. They were laboratory cats, test subjects in a North Carolina research facility where animals—dogs and cats—were routinely abused. Then, in mid-September, a team from the Washington Animal Rescue League arrived to rescue 10 of them. The research facility was shutting down after an undercover investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) revealed the abuse and led to USDA inquiries. The cats, along with 20 dogs, were brought to D.C. to recover and begin new lives.
For half of those cats, their new lives have already begun. Thanks to the efforts of league staff, five of the cats have been adopted and are in their new homes, and a sixth cat has an adoption pending.
One of the new adoptees, Sweetie, is adjusting to his home and bonding with his new, loving person. The tabby, who was known as Cyclone while at the league, was adopted in early October. He quickly got a new name to better match his sweet, playful personality. Sweetie seemed confused at first by his new freedom and the friendly attention he was getting, but before long he started settling in and getting in touch with his “inner kitty.” Of Sweetie’s previous life, his adopter writes, “I really can’t think too much about what went on before.”
Two other adoptees, Chickahominy and Alga, had a little more trouble making the adjustment to their new homes. Soon after their adoptions, both cats stopped eating. Their adopters contacted the league, but no one was too alarmed at first. Perhaps the cats were just a little stressed and needed time to adjust. But when the cats still refused to eat after a week, the league asked the adopters to bring them in for a checkup.
The medical team looked the cats over and found nothing wrong with them. Once they were back in cages at the league, Chickahominy and Alga began to eat again. The conclusion? The cats were so used to being in cages they weren’t comfortable with their newfound freedom. Chickahominy and Alga went back home with their adopters with instructions that they be kept in the smallest room in the house for a few days. That seemed to work, giving the cats a smaller, safe place to relax in.
Four of the lab cats—Eyot, Muffin, Prion, and Allele—are still waiting to be adopted. Meet three of them in the accompanying slide show.
The Washington Animal Rescue League is located at 71 Oglethorpe Street NW. Visit their Web site or call 202-726-2556 for more information on their many adoptable cats.
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