47 cats were rescued from “extreme heat and unsanitary conditions” in a car that was parked at a rest stop in Harris, Minnesota.
Agents from the Animal Humane Society quickly arrived on scene to remove the cats from the hot car after they were contacted by the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota State Patrol officers.
Authorities were notified of the cats from concerned citizens who witnessed the situation at the Goose Creek rest stop.
Temperatures soared to the high 90s, which meant the inside of the car was even hotter. When temperatures outside reach 95 degrees, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 114 degrees within 10 minutes and 124 degrees within 20. After an hour, the interior of a car could get up to 138 degrees, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
The owner of the cats had been living in the vehicle with them for quite some time, but surrendered them to AHS upon rescue. 14 of the cats were released to another local rescue.
The cats, who range from less than a year old to more than 12 years old, are thankfully doing okay and only have minor medical issues, despite being stuck in the sweltering heat for as long as they were.
The cats are now in good hands at AHS, where they are being examined and evaluated by their veterinarian and animal behavior staff.
Once the cats were deemed healthy enough, they will be available for adoption.
