The 2012-2013 upstate New York winter may have been mild by historical standards, but the cold and wind will return before we can safely consider ourselves to be in spring. That's not good news for the hundreds of homeless cats on local streets, but R-CATS is determined to help them by hosting a cat shelter-building workshop.
Allison Nickerson of R-CATS explained the reason the group builds and donates the shelters as, "We all know how difficult Central New York winters can be, and it is especially hard on the homeless cats trying to survive. These double insulated Shelters offer a warm, dry option for these cats to keep them safe through the worst of the winter weather."
The workshop is slated for Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Smith's Appliance Store on 6736 Martin Street in Rome, beginning at 10 am. R-CATS volunteers hope to build twelve shelters out of 18-gallon totes based on a plan used by Alley Cat Allies. Completed shelters will be distributed to caretakers of homeless cats free of charge; last year, R-CATS gave away 22 shelters. The shelters are remarkably sturdy and can last several winters.
Each shelter will be able to house two cats, although typically only one will take up residence. The only maintenance required is to be sure that snow does not build up over the entrance, and to change out the bedding occasionally.
To help R-CATS build the cat shelters, or to make a donation to help cover the cost of the supplies needed to build them (estimated at $16 per shelter), please contact Robin (rjyager@yahoo.com or 790-1404) or Allison (alnicker@verizon.net or 337-3890).
Comments