TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — These are South Tampa's version of the Aristocats.
Seven Persian cats are currently up for adoption at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay after their owners left a legacy to care for them long after they passed away.
CEO Sherry Silk said demand is high and staff are reviewing about 100 applications for employment.
She added that she is looking for the perfect home with an owner who has experience with Persian cats.
“It's really unique to have seven purebred Persian cats in the same room,” Silk said.
Cleopatra, Goldfinger, Leo, Midnight, Napoleon, Snowball and Squeaky lived in 84-year-old Nancy Sauer's $2.5 million South Tampa home for six months after she passed away.
“She's definitely a cat lady,” Silk said. “I think she's had cats ever since she was born. They were her four-legged family.”
Sauer's personal representative turned the cats over to the Humane Society after a probate judge ruled the cats should not be left in the vacant home, Silk said.
“They're in a much better situation now because they're free,” Silk said. “They're not in a cage.”
Silk said the humane society has now set aside about $300,000 for Sauer to pay for the lifetime care of the seven cats.
“If you adopted her, she left money to fund veterinary care, grooming, food and anything else the cats needed,” Silk said. “At Nancy's request, we're going to take care of them, which is great.”
While most pet owners can't promise their furry friends a six-figure inheritance, Silk says, So that they don't become homeless. ”
Those lucky enough to adopt a Persian cat can bring a receipt for reimbursement from the Humane Society. One of the cats, Snowball, has already found a home.
Silk said she hopes the attention Sauer's cats receive will help many other cats find new forever homes.
