Boston ARL shuts down part of building to care for ringworm-infested cats

BOSTON — Volunteers went to some extreme lengths to help sick animals rescued from a serious case of hoarding.

Volunteers dressed head to toe in Tyvek suits are bathing the cats infected with ringworm twice a week at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Because the skin infection ringworm is so easily spread volunteers and veterinarians must have as little contact with the pets as possible.

Veterinary technician Jessica Wright says this is one of the most extreme treatments they've done at their Boston facility and they've never treated this many cats with ringworm in house at once.

Normally, they rely on foster caregivers to provide treatment because it’s so easily spread.

“We decided with the number of cats to actually shut down an entire room in our holding area to treat these animals,” Wright explained. “Which wasn’t a decision that was made lightly because it impacts the rest of our shelter operations."

Volunteers spray the animals with a pure oxygen spray to treat ringworm, which is why some of their fur looks patchy and bleached in spots.

“We give the cats some treats and get them back in as soon as we can,” said Wright.

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Photos show some of the cats and the shape they were in the day they were rescued. They've come a long way since they were rescued, but the ones that were in the worst shape will need to be treated for at least six more weeks.

"It’s really satisfying to see how different they look,” volunteer Jane Urban commented.

She said donning a hazmat suit isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s well worth it.

"I mean at the end of the end of the day, these cats are going to good homes,” Urban said. “I just do it, because it's extremely rewarding.”

Once the cats are well, they will be put up for adoption.

Of the 40 cats that were rescued from that home, 11 were previously moved to foster care.

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