Vermont Community Rallies to Save Flood-Displaced Cats

For decades, a scrappy colony of cats called the Gates farm in Cambridge, Vermont their home, earning their keep by catching rodents and charming locals who spotted them near the village market dumpsters.

When flooding struck in 2023, the cats lost their longtime home. The waters displaced the colony that had become part of the community's fabric, leaving neighbors worried about their furry friends.

But Cambridge residents weren't about to let their cats disappear. Volunteers sprang into action, tracking down the scattered felines and making sure they stayed fed and safe during the chaos.

The timing brought an unexpected twist. New owners purchased the Cambridge Village Market, and unlike some business owners who might see stray cats as a nuisance, these folks welcomed them with open arms.

The cat-friendly proprietors worked with community members to create a plan for the colony's future. Together, they ensured the cats would have food, shelter, and the veterinary care needed to keep them healthy.

Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger documented the heartwarming effort, meeting some of the colony's residents and the people who refused to give up on them. Her "Stuck in Vermont" episode captures how a small town rallied around creatures that couldn't ask for help themselves.

Sunny's Take

This story shows community at its best. Nobody organized a formal rescue group or applied for grants. People simply saw neighbors in need (even the four-legged kind) and took action.

The cats had been part of Cambridge for generations, working animals that also brought joy to residents who'd spot them on their daily routines. When disaster struck, the village treated them like what they were: longtime residents deserving of help.

Now the colony has a second chance, thanks to neighbors who saw past the chaos of flooding to remember what matters. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness create the biggest ripples.