Ann Arbor, MI (August 19, 2026) — The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) has rescued 149 cats from four local homes within only two months.
In late June, HSHV rescued 43 cats from a Manchester, Michigan home after the resident reached out to the shelter for help.
At the beginning of July, HSHV responded to a call regarding a reportedly abandoned home in Ypsilanti. Rescue Officers arrived to find 17 cats living in highly unsanitary conditions among garbage, feces, urine, and a number of deceased cats and kittens. The situation remains under investigation.
At the end of July, HSHV took in 52 cats from a hoarding situation in a Northville home which came to HSHV’s attention after police were called for a wellness check. The home was subsequently deemed unsafe for people or animals.
Last week, HSHV Investigators rescued 37 cats from an Ann Arbor Township residence after a concerned family member contacted HSHV when the homeowner was hospitalized.
The cats rescued range from kittens to seniors and arrived in various states of health. Each will receive medical and behavioral care according to their needs and made available for adoption as soon as they are ready.
The influx comes during an especially challenging year for HSHV. In June alone, HSHV took in 531 kittens and cats—an increase of 256 from the same time last year, and the highest single month of kitten intakes HSHV has experienced in at least a decade. Overall, cat intake is up 11% compared with 2025.
With so many cats entering HSHV’s care, the shelter is launching adoption promotions to help make room for these rescues.
“We’re at Cat-pacity” promotion
For a limited time:
- Adult cats: FREE
- Barn cats: FREE
All adoptions are subject to HSHV’s regular adoption process to help ensure each animal is matched with an appropriate home. All cats available for adoption have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated as age-appropriate, and microchipped, and come with a starter bag of food.
HSHV encourages people who are struggling to care for their animals—or who are concerned that someone they know may be overwhelmed—to seek help before the situation reaches a crisis point. Resources can include spay/neuter assistance, veterinary care, pet food pantry, behavior support, temporary harbor and, when necessary, surrendering animals to the shelter.
“These cases are heartbreaking because every cat involved is an individual who deserves a safe, healthy and loving home,” said Tanya Hilgendorf, President and CEO of HSHV. “But they’re also a powerful reminder that asking for help is an act of compassion. We’re grateful to the people who have trusted us with their animals, and we’re grateful to our community for helping give innocent cats a second chance.”
“Right now, the best thing our community can do is open their homes to a cat,” Hilgendorf added. “Whether you’re looking for one wonderful adult cat to keep you company, or a couple of barn cats who’ll keep each other company, there are cats ready to meet your loving family.”
HSHV is also seeking donations to help meet the needs of the cats currently in its care. Community support provides the food, veterinary care, enrichment and other resources these animals need while they wait for their families.
Interested adopters can view cats currently available for adoption at HSHV.org/adopt. Cats from the recent rescues will be posted as they become medically and behaviorally ready for adoption. Interested donors can contribute to the cats’ care at HSHV.org/donate.
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About The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV):
The Humane Society of Huron Valley, located in Ann Arbor, is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies solely on the generosity of our supporters to provide critical community programs and services. HSHV is an award-winning organization, recognized for our best practices and highest animal “save-rate” among all similar shelters in Michigan. Charity Navigator, the nation’s top charity evaluator, awarded HSHV a 4-star ranking, the highest possible. The mission of HSHV is to promote the loving, responsible care of all animals in our community. HSHV is not affiliated with any other humane organization and does not receive funding from the United Way. More information can be found on HSHV’s website (hshv.org) and on our annual report (hshv.org/annualreport).