Dozens of cats rescued from a crowded Clearwater Bay flat need homes

* Seven cats rescued from a Kennewick apartment where 71 dead cats were found are now physically healthy and available for adoption through Tri-Cities Animal Services in Pasco.

* Susan Reavely, 69, was arrested and charged with first-degree animal cruelty, a Class C felony, in connection with the discovery. A Benton County judge set her bail at $100,000.

* The adoption fee is $50 and includes spay or neuter services, vaccinations, and a microchip. The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

KENNEWICK, Wash. -- Nearly a month after Kennewick police discovered 71 dead cats inside a local apartment, the seven surviving animals are physically healthy and ready for adoption -- but shelter staff say many are still working through the emotional toll of what they endured.

On May 22, 2026, Kennewick police responded to the Clearwater Bay Apartments following a noise and animal welfare complaint. Inside, officers found a hoarder-style apartment containing 71 dead cats and seven surviving cats and kittens. Susan Reavely, 69, was arrested and charged with first-degree animal cruelty, a Class C felony. A Benton County judge set her bail at $100,000.

Since their rescue, Tri-Cities Animal Services (TCAS) has provided the cats with regular meals, veterinary care, and stable shelter. Despite weeks of consistent attention, not a single animal has been adopted.

Staff says the cats have made meaningful progress, but many still show signs of fear and mistrust. Some retreat to corners. Others watch cautiously from a distance, uncertain about the people trying to help them.

Monica Noonan, foster and transfer coordinator at TCAS, says prospective adopters need to understand what these animals have been through.

"We need somebody that's going to be patient... they're going to need a nice, quiet place to get used to being in a normal home environment for the first time, potentially," Noonan said.

Shelter staff says they hope sharing the cats' story will connect them with adopters prepared to offer the time and patience these animals require. The cats are available for adoption now through Tri-Cities Animal Services.

The adoption fee is $50 and includes spay or neuter services, vaccinations, and a microchip. The shelter is located at 1311 S. 18th Ave. in Pasco and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information is available at tricitiesanimalservices.com.

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