The Animal Rescue League of Boston rescued a mother cat and four kittens living near the Somerset Fire Department after the animals were found staying outside the firehouse, according to a community announcement.
The organization's Field Services team responded after receiving a call about the cats and safely trapped all five animals. While the cats remained close to the firehouse, they were too wary of people to be brought inside, according to the announcement.
The adult cat was spayed, ear-tipped and returned to the area through the Animal Rescue League of Boston's Community Cat program. The four kittens remain in the organization's care and will become available for adoption after they are old enough to be spayed or neutered.
The rescue highlights ongoing efforts to address Massachusetts' population of outdoor and unowned cats.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston said its Community Cat program was created to help an estimated 700,000 community cats across Massachusetts. The population includes feral, semi-feral and outdoor cats that do not have owners and often live outdoors in difficult conditions, according to the announcement.
Through the program, a rescue agent evaluates cat colonies and develops Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR, plans. Cats also receive veterinary care and are assessed for socialization and potential adoption.
People who feed community cats and need help with Trap-Neuter-Return efforts can contact the Animal Rescue League of Boston's Field Services hotline at 617-426-9170, ext. 563. Additional information about the program is available at arlboston.org.
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This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Rescue group saves mother cat and kittens at Somerset firehouse