It sounds like a Halloween spooky story: Eight cats dumped in a cemetery and abandoned! But this Halloween story has an enchanting twist: the cemetery is the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, an unusual purradise for about 130 cats and other animals. Here, they enjoy a peaceable kingdom among Hollywood legend’s headstones, statues, and the spirit world (see video below).
We previously shared the story of the resident celebrity house panther “Close Up,” who often poses among the headstones for walking tour groups. People come to see Close Up and love seeing the other resident cats, all TNR’d (trap, neuter, released). But these eight cats weren’t colony cats; they were someone’s pets.
Close Up the cat at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Image via Instagram/closeupthecemeterycat
Eight Cats Left at a Cemetery Before Halloween
Disturbingly, somebody abandoned the eight adorable cats, which were all friendly house cats.
“Ages range from 6 months to a few years old. 3 Orange are boys, 2 Torties are girls and the 3 Tuxies, well we’re not sure, but they are all friendly and ready for their forever home,” the cemetery shared.
Images via Instagram/hwdforever
Perhaps somebody out there couldn’t care for them anymore. As happens way too often, they put them all in a carrier and left, which could have easily ended in a horror story.
But these little ones were charmed, and all survived to see another day, as Tyler Cassity, the cemetery co-owner, shared with ABC7. He had such compassion for those who left the cats. Would you be so generous?
“I’d like to think that we are the last refuge for people who have, perhaps, seen other animals here, like this family probably couldn’t care for seven cats and didn’t know what to do,” said Cassity.
Would the Cats Forget About Humans?
Unlike the cats who have a permanent home at the Holly Forever Cemetery, these kitties are used to being lap cats. So they hoped residents would adopt them. But if not, they would have to gradually adjust to cemetery life where they are “at capacity” on cats.
“They’re very affectionate. You can see how cute they are and we would, of course, help spay and neuter and defer all those costs,” said Cassity. “Otherwise, the kitties will just gradually become wild, forget humans and live out their lives here.”
Teams of kind people care for the cemetery animals, and life is everywhere you look.
“It’s a reminder that life is still here and brilliant and continues,” said Cassity.
Enchanting Whiskers and Bewitching Gazes
As only Hollywood Forever Cemetery could, they appealed to the community to adopt the eight cats.
“Enchanting Whiskers Await Your Touch! Unlock the portal of feline wonder! Prepare to embark on a whimsical journey with our enchanting cats, waiting to be adopted into their forever homes. From bewitching gazes to a connection that transcends the ordinary, they’re ready to weave their way into your heart. Are you prepared to be the guardian of their destiny? Our enchanting cats are seeking a home where love reigns supreme. Enter the realm of eternal love and let the magic of these felines transform your life. Together you’ll craft a story filled with wonder, love and enchantment,” the cemetery shared on Instagram.
A follower suggested the cats’ new names should reflect the famous stars resting at the cemetery.
In an update, Hollywood Forever shared the pawsome news!
“UPDATE ‼️ Thank you for all the 🩵! We have a waitlist now! Kitties are meeting their prospective parents. So grateful for our community.”
How lucky these cats are to find homes for Halloween!
Don’t Give Up on Pets – Ask for Help
Post-pandemic, shelters everywhere are seeing a big uptick in surrendered pets. But rather than abandoning them, which is illegal in many places, contact your shelter, Humane Society, or local rescue group and ask for help. Of course, the best for pets is safe in their loving homes. If you reach out, you could find solutions to keep pets with you where they belong.
Like many shelters, Los Angeles Animal Services says they may be able to help with things like finding medical care, temporary housing, and food for pets.
“If you are considering surrendering your pet to a shelter, please contact LAAS to first discuss alternatives to surrendering your pet. There may be programs and services that can help with temporary housing, food, medical care or other needs.”
Video by ABC7 about the eight cats:
