Yes, Florida is well know for it’s “WTF” moments or as we say here, “‘What the Florida’ is happening?!” And in late April 2025, it happened again. Although the human Floridians in this case were doing the very best that they could in this situation. It was the location of the 23 felines that were involved in the story that caused the ‘WTF’ reaction of most people. Because those almost 2 dozen animals were living alone on a boat tied to a pier.
A Different Kind of Boat Rescue for Floridians
The local police and animal rescuers from Manatee County Animal Welfare convened at the disturbing dock scene. After receiving calls from concerned citizens, they had discovered the cats “surviving” in less than ideal conditions. Sadly, they found 23 cats living in the small boat anchored near the King Fish Boat Ramp and jumped into action. There was no ventilation and the it’s likely the boat overwhelming smelled like feces and urine. 
Thankfully, they were able to contact the owners of the boat who fully cooperated with everyone. And like many other stories of animal hoarding, it started with good intentions and continued that way. Although they themselves were are dealing with housing issues, they still remained faithful to the animals. Each day they would visit the boat, sometimes by kayak, and feed the felines. But it wasn’t going to be a permanent solution for any of them. With the Florida hurricane season hitting coastal areas HARD and astronomical insurance/rental rates, they are likely suffering like thousands of other Floridians. And more so, the millions of displaced stray and feral animals in Florida. It’s very possible that some of these felines were ‘rescued’ after a natural disaster that left their former locations uninhabitable.
“There was no doubt the owners cared about the cats, but the space simply wasn’t equipped for that many animals,” said Steve Bell, field services supervisor with Manatee County Animal Welfare told reporters . “After talking with us, they made the incredibly difficult but selfless decision to surrender the majority of the cats.” The 23 cats, ranging in age from one to seven years old, were safely transported by boat and brought to Bishop Animal Shelter, where they were immediately evaluated, vaccinated, and cared for by the shelter’s veterinary team.
No More Sea Legs for These Cats
But the cats were going to have a second chance at life now. No more will they rock back and forth on the waves in the boat, but in the arms of their future families.
“This was a large and unexpected intake, but our team at Bishop acted quickly and compassionately to ensure each cat received the care it needed,” said Bell. “These cats were given warm baths, clean bedding, medical attention, and most importantly, hope.”
While many of the cats remain at Bishop, some have already been transferred to Cat Town, MCAW’s feline-specific shelter in Bradenton, to help accommodate the intake and prepare the cats for adoption. The original owners are continuing to work with MCAW to safely trap and sterilize the five remaining cats, which they plan to keep. The County has offered to cover the cost of sterilization.
The thankful former cats are also opening up to their rescuers and loving the attention.
A number of them are available for adoption now and deserve nothing less than the best! A few have even ALREADY been adopted which is just wonderful to see. We also truly hope the humans involved are able to care for themselves and that this helps improve their lives too. Every life deserves a chance to thrive.
ALREADY ADOPTED! 7 yr old Russell
5 Year Old, Juice
7 year old, Magnificent-Mal
The cats are now available for adoption at Bishop Animal Shelter, located at 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209, and Cat Town at 216 6th Ave. E., Bradenton, FL 34208. Whether you adopt, foster, or simply share their story, you can be part of giving these cats the fresh start they deserve.
Meet them today at:
Bishop Animal Shelter – 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton
Call: 941-742-5933
Also, be sure to follow them for their upcoming Annual Adopt-a-Palooza event!
Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) will host Adopt-A-Palooza, the county’s largest one-day dog adoption event, on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, FL.
“Adopt-A-Palooza is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together and give these dogs the loving homes they deserve,” said Carol Ann Felts, Manatee County District 1 Commissioner. “The compassion and support shown by our residents make a real difference in the lives of these animals.”
Co-hosted by Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare (FoMCAW), Adopt-A-Palooza is dedicated to finding loving homes for animals in need. Dozens of adoptable dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages will be available.
All Photos property of Manatee County Animal Welfare/Bishop Animal Shelter/Cat Town
