Oklahoma Sanctuary Rescues Over A Dozen Cats Left Out In The Pouring Rain

In a small Oklahoma town with its signature Wild West charm, Free To Live Animal Sanctuary usually delights the community with videos of dogs sporting cowboy hats. 

But one morning, the sanctuary’s peaceful routine was shattered by a heartbreaking discovery that no animal lover ever wants to face.

For the second time in just a few months, someone had committed an act of cruelty so shocking it left the staff reeling. During a rainy spring night, over 15 cats were abandoned in cages outside the sanctuary, left to endure the cold, relentless rain.

Some of the cats had managed to escape their crates, only to be found shivering and meowing desperately in a nearby drainage ditch. The staff immediately realized the severity of the situation. Free To Live shared the grim reality on Facebook:

“15 plus cats dumped in crates who sat in the rain all night. Some have escaped and we can hear them crying from the drainage ditch. We will have to spend the morning trying to trap them and hope we get to them before the elements do.”

The scene was gut-wrenching. Soaked, freezing, and confined in filthy crates, the cats had endured the night in unbearable conditions. By morning, many were too weak to even cry for help. 

With no local shelter nearby, the sanctuary knew they couldn’t handle this alone. 

They partnered with Helping Community Paws and Claws (HCPC) to rescue and care for the cats, as well as to investigate who could commit such cruelty, offering a $700 reward for information.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the first time the area had faced such horrors. Just a few months prior, 30 cats were dumped on a nearby street in the summer heat. 

That time, authorities arrested three individuals, but the cycle of neglect and abandonment continues. Despite the overwhelming challenge, the sanctuary pressed on, buoyed by community support.

Thanks to generous donations, the cats received warmth, food, and care. The sanctuary updated supporters:

“Thank you to everyone for their shares and donations and comments. It means more to us than we could ever express here. Please keep it coming – it takes a huge financial commitment to help 15 all at once.”

Even the two escapees hiding in the nearby woods were safely brought in. Staff spent the afternoon drying each cat, checking their health, and making them cozy. 

“The afternoon was spent drying everyone with towels and getting their temps back up and cozy. This morning they are moving around and eating like champs.”

By the next morning, the cats were moving around, eating like champs, and showing signs of recovery.

Now, as the sanctuary prepares the cats for adoption, they continue to fight for their well-being, determined to transform a devastating situation into a story of hope. 

While the road ahead may be long, the kindness of the community proves that compassion can change lives.

These 15 rescued cats, once left to face the elements alone, now have a chance at love, warmth, and safety. Their journey serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, human generosity and care can light the way to brighter beginnings.