A gray cat streaked with a bright red substance is at the center of an ongoing rescue in League City, Texas, and animal care officials are asking residents not to get too close while they work to bring her in for treatment, according to the Houston Chronicle.
What's happening?
As the Houston Chronicle reported, League City Animal Care said the gray cat, whose fur appears to be covered in red dye or paint, is already on its radar and staff are trying to trap her without causing harm.
In a Facebook post, the organization said, "Our team is actively working to safely trap and get this cat into our care so she can receive the attention she needs."
Animal care officials said residents should not try to capture the cat on their own or leave food out for her. Those steps can disrupt the method being used to catch her safely.
After the cat is brought in, officials plan to examine her and remove the red substance safely. They are also asking anyone who knows how she came to be covered in it to come forward.
Why is this concerning?
Until rescuers are able to examine the cat, it remains unclear whether the red material is simply cosmetic or something that could irritate her skin, damage her fur, or point to mistreatment.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Frightened stray or roaming animals often become harder to catch when too many people get involved. A resident could accidentally scare the cat away from a trap location or make her more wary of humans, delaying the care she may need.
What's being done?
League City Animal Care said the cat has not been forgotten and that its team is already handling the situation. Staff are trying to bring her in carefully so she can be assessed and cleaned without added risk.
Residents can best assist by not interfering with that effort. Don't approach or capture the cat, and don't leave out food that could disrupt the rescue plan. If she is spotted, reporting the sighting to animal care is more helpful than trying to intervene directly.
They are also seeking details about how the red substance ended up on the cat.
"We are aware of the cat that has been seen around the community with red dye or paint on her fur, and we want everyone to know this baby is not forgotten," League City Animal Care wrote in the Facebook post. "Thank you for your patience, compassion, and for helping us give this cat the best chance at a safe rescue."
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
