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Four abandoned cats rescued from Salzburg’s Spielbergalm after alpine season ends

Left to fend for themselves in the cold, these cats found hope thanks to hikers’ reports. Now safe, their story highlights the risks of pet abandonment in remote areas.

This image is taken outdoors. At the bottom of the image there is a floor. In the middle of the...
This image is taken outdoors. At the bottom of the image there is a floor. In the middle of the image there is a bench. On the right side of the image there is a cat.

Four abandoned cats rescued from Salzburg’s Spielbergalm after alpine season ends

Four abandoned cats have been rescued from the Spielbergalm in Salzburg after being left behind at the end of the alpine season. The operation was carried out by animal welfare group Pfotenhilfe, which stepped in after hikers and ski tourers reported sightings of the animals.

The first two cats were found on Saturday, November 30, by Pfotenhilfe director Johanna Stadler and her husband. A second pair—a female and a tom—were rescued on Wednesday, December 3, after further reports from visitors. Both animals were severely underweight but otherwise in stable condition.

The rescued cats are now safe and undergoing medical care. Pfotenhilfe continues to monitor alpine areas for similar cases, relying on public reports to prevent further abandonments. Anyone spotting stray or neglected animals is encouraged to notify local welfare organisations immediately.

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