A First-of-Its-Kind Rescue: 40 Abandoned Cats Saved in Chennai –

Chennai—Two weeks ago, 40 cats, many kittens, and fragile adults were discovered abandoned in a house without food or water on the East Coast Road in Chennai. For days, well-meaning locals and volunteers brought water and food scraps, desperately trying to keep them alive. But the situation turned tragic when one kitten fell gravely ill and tragically died despite veterinary care. That heartbreaking loss galvanized People For Cattle In India (PFCI) into urgent action. Recognizing time was running out, they swiftly organized a full-scale rescue mission.

In a historic first for Chennai, PFCI, coordinating what one spokesperson called “the largest singlecluster cat rescue ever attempted in the city,” partnered with volunteers, the Tamil Nadu Police, Fire & Rescue Services, and the SAWB to save the remaining 40 lives. The residents, some severely underweight and dehydrated, have now been relocated to temporary shelters across the city, where they’re receiving vital care:

• People for Animals (PFA) Chennai – Thiruvallur: 16 cats
• Daisy Animal Shelter – ECR: 6 cats
• Nitya Cat Home – Redhills: 8 cats
• Prithvi Kennels – Kovalam: 10 cats

“We were feeding them scraps for days, praying they’d survive,” shares a volunteer. “When one kitten died, our hearts broke. We couldn’t stand by anymore—this rescue had to happen.”

The operation would not have been possible without the courageous work of volunteers Nithya, Sherin, Hari, Mani, Sai, Lima and Harsha. They braved difficult conditions to coax frightened cats into crates, offering them comfort and hope.

PFCI meticulously managed every aspect: alerting authorities, organizing transportation, ensuring immediate medical attention, and securing shelter placements, all achieved within just hours. PFCI extends special thanks to,

• Tamil Nadu Police for their uncompromising support
• Tamil Nadu Fire & Rescue Services for speedy, expert assistance
• SAWB for validation and oversight
• Our shelter partners, who opened their hearts and doors on such short notice

“Seeing them suffer broke my heart, but seeing so many come together—volunteers, officials, shelter staff—restored my hope. Thank you to everyone who stepped up. We still need you. These cats need more than rescue; they need care, compassion, and a chance at a loving home, ” said Arun Prasanna, founder of PFCI.

This groundbreaking rescue is only the beginning. As these cats begin healing, they urgently need our continued support:

• Cat food, litter, medicines, and recovery supplies
• Financial contributions to partner shelters
• In-kind donations of all kinds
• Home adoptions, opening soon after they fully recover

This is a rescue like no other. Your compassion now can give them the love and security they’ve been denied.

PFCI is a Chennai-basedNGO established in 2012. Its focus is on preventing illegal cattle trafficking and slaughter and on other important animal protection issues. PFCI has saved the lives of more than 1,000 cattle and other animals. PFCI also distributes water bowls yearly throughout the summer to help birds and other animals quench their thirst. PFCI continues to work closely with authorities, communities, and volunteers to build a more humane and law-abiding society for animals.

Contact no: 9884071136