Tacoma police rescue 60 cats from abandoned sailboat

Authorities in Tacoma, Washington, have rescued approximately 60 cats and kittens from an abandoned 40-foot sailboat anchored near Owen Beach in Puget Sound. The rescue operation, which began on August 6, 2026, was initiated after reports of a deserted vessel were made to the Tacoma Police Department’s Marine Services Unit.

Initial inspections revealed over 30 cats, but the number grew as rescuers discovered more animals hiding in difficult-to-reach areas of the boat. Many of the felines were found to be frightened and malnourished. The Tacoma Police Department worked alongside animal control and forensic technicians to safely remove the animals after obtaining a search warrant.

The rescued cats have been transferred to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County for medical care and recovery. While most animals have been secured, officials noted that the process was complex due to the animals' tendency to hide.

An investigation is currently underway to determine how the colony formed and to identify the boat's owner. While no criminal charges have been filed yet, authorities are looking into potential animal cruelty or neglect charges. A former resident of the vessel stated the colony may have grown from a single cat following the COVID-19 pandemic.