Koucky’s to host C.A.T.S. fund-raiser Saturday, Oct. 9
Learn more about feline ferals and stray cats when Koucky Garden and Gallery in Bokeelia hosts the Caring About The Strays (C.A.T.S.) fund-raiser and bazaar. On Saturday, Oct. 9, the Pine Island organizations known as C.A.T.S. will present a festive fund-raiser that will include kittens available for adoption as well as artisans booths, animal art, new and gently used items for sale as well as several presentations.
The festivities will begin in the gallery garden beginning at 10 a.m. with several presentations beginning at 11 a.m. Topics for discussion will include “What is Pine Island C.A.T.S.,” “What is TNR (Trap/Neuter/Release),” “What is the difference between a stray and feral cat” and “How can I help stray and feral cats?” presented by the staff of C.A.T.S. and PAWS. These presentations will be followed by Dr. Robert Miller of the Pine Island Animal Clinic at 1 p.m. who will provided a lesson on Cats and Kittens 101.
In addition to the free presentations and vendor sales, also offered will be several raffles for “party baskets,” pet items and art as well as a 50/50 drawing.
Pine Island C.A.T.S. was founded and headed by island resident Edith Schulte, who has made it her mission to reduce or eliminate the feral cat population in a humane way. Working hand-in-hand with PAWS, a no-kill shelter, they have developed a program of trapping, neutering and releasing stray and feral cats that roam the island. Even though most of the cats trapped and treated are returned to where they were first picked-up, many have found their ways into permanent homes on the island.
According to Schulte, one small white kitten was seen running around the Winn-Dixie plaza with its mother and an employee of one of the businesses expressed a desire to assist in trapping it and making it her pet.
“We were successful and Winnie, as he is now called, is adapting well with the domestic cats in his forever home,” said Schulte, “He is still a little skittish with humans, but no longer wanders around outside in search of food, water and safe place to sleep.”
Following the trapping of the kitten, Schulte set her sights on trapping Winnie’s mother.
“This poor cat kept having one litter after another, with the last batch of kittens adopted by Winn-Dixie shoppers while still young and easily adaptable to becoming indoor cats,” said Schulte. “Momma cat is looking much healthier these days after being cared for a PAWS. There are so many more out there that need this kind of attention, however, in all probability, it will take a few years to attain a controllable situation on the island. The majority of the cats trapped so far have been disease and illness-free with only minor problems that were easily solved.”
While the majority are found relatively healthy, Schulte fears this will not always be the case. Diseases like feline leukemia can spread quickly throughout feral cat populations.
“Most cats that are diagnosed with feline leukemia will have to be humanely euthanized because feral cats are impossible to treat with medication on a daily basis,” said Schulte. “Left untreated, the cats face a slow, painful death. Responsible owners can successfully raise a feline leukemia cat with careful attention to a daily regimen of medication, however this would be impossible to accomplish with a feral cat.”
Trap-ping and having the cats spayed or neutered does not come without a cost and while Schulte and her volunteers are offered a discount rate from PAWS for this service, some out-of-pocket expenses accrue.
“In typical Pine Island fashion, many locals, including the employees and management at the Winn-Dixie center, have been instrumental by giving monetary donations, food and other supplies,” said Schulte. “But, since our goal may take many years to accomplish, continued support will be needed. The cost for spay or neutering as well as rabies vaccine, examinations and testing for feline leukemia is approximately $50 per animal. Even though our volunteers will trap, transport for treatment and then release cats even on privately owned property at their own expense, we cannot afford the cost of these medical services and donations are the only way in which we can continue with the C.A.T.S. program.”
Those who would like to contributed to the C.A.T.S. program can do so by sending checks in any amount directly to PAWS at 13410 N. Cleveland Ave. North Fort Myers, FL 33903, and be sure to include for account #9282-Pine Island on the memo line.
For more information about the C.A.T.S. fund-raiser and bazaar on Oct. 9, call Koucky Gallery and Garden at 283-4414 or for more information about C.A.T.S. or PAWS, call Edith Schulte at 283-3456.