47 Cats Trapped and Living in a Hot Car Under Sweltering Heat Rescued in Minnesota

Cats were found trapped and alive inside a hot car under scorching temperatures at a rest stop in eastern Minnesota last week.

Rescuers were able to retrieve 47 cats and their owner who was responsible for forcing the cats to live with him inside the vehicle within an unspecified amount of time.

There were no reported fatalities among the cats but some of them incurred minor medical problems.

Initial assessment of the situation, despite its ambiguity, suggested that the man had been living with his feline friends in their automobile home within a short period.

The incident came at a time when Minnesota was under a part of a regional heat wave advisory spanning across the United States, wherein some parts experienced over 100 degrees Fahrenheit resulting in heat-related illnesses and even death.

Rescued Cats

Members of the Animal Humane Society (AHS) confirmed they rescued the cats in the city of Harris, Minnesota, amid extreme heat on Tuesday, June 14, as cited by CBS News.

The information of the animals' whereabouts first came to the attention of the Chisago County Sheriff's Office and Minnesota State Patrol.

The police officers then called the AHS regarding the situation in the city for assistance, which led to the rescue of the cats.

Animal Care

AHS veterinary and behavioral staff are taking care of the cats after examining and evaluating them. The minor medical issues of the animals were also due to the unsanitary environment inside the car.

The non-profit organization said the cats' ages range between less than a year old and 12 years old.

CBS News also reported that the cats will be ready for adoption after any behavioral and medical issues have been detected and addressed. After all, the National Adopt a Cat Month falls under June.

Hot Cars and Hot Weather

There are related cases of toddlers and disabled adults being left or tucked inside a hot car for a prolonged period of time. However, pets are also victims of this practice, where in some result in deaths.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), dozens of children and "untold numbers of pets" left in parked cars die each year from hyperthermia, which transpired when the body absorbs more heat beyond its capability.

The NWS said temperatures in a parked vehicle can reach a dangerous level for the mentioned group, especially if temperatures reach the 70s even on a mild day.

Related Incidents

On June 17, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) issued its updated list of heat-related animal deaths, where it also presents the deaths of animal companions in hot cars, including the Harris, Minnesota, rescue incident:

• Officials charged a man with "aggravated animal cruelty" after leaving his dog who died inside a hot vehicle In Fort Myers, Florida, on June 5.
• Animal protection service members rescued a dog trapped in a hot car in Clark County, Nevada, on June 1.
• Authorities arrested and charged a man for animal cruelty after allegedly leaving his dog in a parked car in Clearwater, Florida, on May 22.