NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A number of cats that were rescued after the Happy Cat Sanctuary on Long Island burned down several weeks ago are now up for adoption at different shelters and centers around the island.
Several cats will be available at the Bideawee Adoption Center, North Shore Animal League and Southampton Animal Shelter, while dozens others are being temporarily housed in a Suffolk County warehouse until they can be accepted to more no-kill shelters.
Leslie Granger, CEO of Bideawee Adoption Center, told 1010 WINS that her organization will keep the cats they have until they’re able to find a loving home.
“For as long as it takes for them to find their forever home. We always like to say that as long as they’re with us, they’re a member of our family, before they become a member of yours,” she said. “So they are here with us for as long as it takes for them to go home.”
The blaze on March 31 killed owner of the sanctuary Christopher Arsenault and more than 150 cats at the Medford location. Frankie Floridia, of the Strong Island Animal Rescue League, was among volunteers using nets in the aftermath to help catch the over 200 cats that survived.
“A couple of the cats were definitely in the house when it happened, and they got out,” he told 1010 WINS last week.
Some of the cats were scared and some injured, with burned whiskers and paws, he said. Granger said that her center is seeing cats with some minor medical issues right now, including upper respiratory infections caused by stress.
“It will remain to be seen how long it takes them to destress from this, but I think I can already see signs that they’re starting to calm down and settle in,” she said.