Cat escapes Westberry house of horror to be saved and loved

Another miracle has occurred in Belton, South Carolina, home of accused cat torturer and deceiver Julianne Westberry. Against all odds, another cat entrusted to Julianne has been found alive. Her name is “Kentucky”.

Kentucky and her kittens (“Derbys”) were taken to Julianne back in June, when the new mother, a ginger tabby, had mastitis. No one knows how Kentucky escaped the Belton home, or where her kittens are at this time. Kentucky’s survival brings new hope that other cats taken to Julianne may turn up.

On Thursday, Anderson County Animal Control delivered Kentucky to Anderson County P.A.W.S., which is the same shelter that cared for the survivors of Julianne’s house of cat hell. Luckily, Kentucky was microchipped, and a call to Greenville County Animal Care Services confirmed her identity. Randi Knox, rescue coordinator for P.A.W.S., tells of the moment she heard Kentucky had been found saying

“…very exciting day! I could barely explain who she was to Jessica when I heard Kentucky’s name come from her mouth while on the phone with GCACS. I just remembered the catchy name and the light bulb went off. Finger still crossed more are brought in and we can get them out as well!”

Randi credits Kentucky’s microchip to identifying her so quickly. Things moved quickly once it was a sure thing on just how special this one cat is. Randi was able to get in touch with Ash Truesdale, and word quickly got out on social media to rescue Kentucky before the end of the day. Anne Hesse is caring for Kentucky until a foster can be found. Foster Paws, a reputable upstate South Carolina cat rescue, will be in charge of finding this miracle cat a loving forever home.

Kentucky has a recent injury to a rear leg, as well as matted fur. She’s in fairly good shape, considering she’s been on her own for more than four months. Anne said her abdomen was hard Thursday night, and gave her some pureed pumpkin. Anne said after the constipation eased up, Kentucky passed some really yucky (for lack of a better word) poop.

Since Kentucky has been calm since being brought to a new environment, Anne allowed her some time outside of the crate for exercise. Kentucky is using the litter box (she prefers pine litter to clay litter) and is eating wet food. Anne is having to monitor how much food is given, so she doesn’t stress Kentucky’s delicate digestive system.

A vet visit is being planned for next week, just to be sure there are no problems. If an emergency comes up Kentucky will be seen over the weekend. Right now everyone is wanting to give this sweet survivor time to adjust to being cared for.

Kentucky isn’t the only survivor to turn up near the Belton home. Recently a cat named Bolan was found. And several weeks ago I was contacted about a cat who matched the description of Cottontina. I never heard back on that report, but there is hope some of the cats may still be found alive. This should be a positive experience for those who practice TNR. The fact that cats can survive better on their own than in the hands of an abuser like Julianne is pretty clear now. Had Kentucky remained inside the home, she’d most likely be dead.

Just for the record, pledges were added up for Kentucky, and showed she came with $410 for use in her care and finding a forever home. Just how many cats Julianne collected money on, then turned loose in the Belton community, isn’t known. We can all hope there are more as cats that she let loose to survive on their own may still be out there somewhere, alive. We can only hope.

As for the rescue community that has kept up with the Westberry cats since the beginning. This is a weekend of celebration. Thank you to everyone who helped get Kentucky out of the shelter, and who will see her placed in a loving forever home.