A Conversation with SCAT - Street Cat Rescue

We're currently supporting SCAT - Street Cat Rescue - via our Sweet Goodness program. Here's a bit more about who they are and what they do. Thanks Leslie for the chat! 

What has SCAT been up to since we worked together last September? 

We have been hard at work advocating for cities and towns to allow neuter return programs so we can combat overpopulation more effectively.

How has the need for your organization changed since last year? 

The need for help with street cats is continuing to increase as people may be abandoning cats outside due to pet rent, or if they are unable to find a place that allows pets. Coupled with limited low cost spay and neuter programs, every organization is overflowing.

Tell us more about what where your kitties come from? 

We are focused exclusively on stray cats.

Talk to us about fostering. How does that work? Who can become a foster? 

Anyone that has a bit of space and time can become a foster. We cover all medical costs for the cat and we can provide all supplies such as food and litter. Once you apply we can match a cat or kitten to your situation/preference.

What medical needs do your kitties often have?

$300-$500 is the average medical cost our organization pays for the basic medical necessities of a healthy cat. That price includes spay/neuter, exam, deworming, initial vaccines, ear tattoo identification, and testing for FeLV and FIV. Unfortunately most cats cost much more as they often come in with conditions such as ear mites, upper respiratory infections, trauma from animal attacks, heart murmurs, broken teeth, and frostbite. We work closely with many vets within the city and as long as the cat has a good quality of life, we do what we can to ensure our cats are well taken care of.

Please share with us a recent success story! 

Cowboy is a boy who got very lucky when we trapped him by mistake while we were trying to catch a community cat that had been living outside for a long time. He had a severe bite wound that was likely caused by a large animal attack. Over the past few weeks, Cowboy has had several vet appointments to make sure his wound is healing okay and has also been neutered and had a tooth extraction in that time. With all this guy has been through, he has stayed the happiest boy and loves attention from people and other cats alike. It is so incredible to be able to see cats that have had a hard time on the streets adjust and love the indoor life.

Funding. What a huge issue. Are you receiving any government support or do you fully rely on the community? 

We do not receive any government support, we rely completely on charitable donations, fundraising throughout the year, and support from businesses like Christie's who help raise funds on our behalf!

Tell us about volunteering!  

We have lots of opportunities for volunteering. The main areas are in our Petsmart Adoption Centre - caring for and socializing some of our adoptable cats, running or helping out at events, helping with social media, and transportation for cats and supplies. But if an individual has a skill they would like to share with us, we would love to hear about it!

How else can folks help? 

If people are unable to volunteer or foster, just spreading the word by sharing our posts on social media can help too! And advocating in the community about the importance of spay and neuter and looking out for the community cats can make a huge difference.