Feral and outdoor cats have new shelters in Albion thanks to the work done by the Friends of Albion’s Animals on Saturday, June 25th. Materials donated by the community and the members were built into shelters that are available to the public should they have outdoor cats or know of feral cats or colonies needing shelter. Maria Bommarito has been a member of the group for three years and explained the building process as she worked on a shelter during the event. She said, “We are using a Sterilite or Rubbermaid 18-gallon tote on the inside and a 30-gallon tote on the outside and filling in around it with styrofoam or something that will insulate well. Then we cut a hole in the side and fill it with straw. It has to be straw so it doesn’t keep the moisture in.” She learned the technique that she was using from watching youtube and experimenting with what works well for the animals.
Adeia Strong member and fundraiser for Friends of Albion’s Animals shared that providing shelter is part of the TNR Program or Trap, Neuter, Release. Said Strong, “You also have to provide shelter and food for them. I haven’t met a cat yet that doesn’t love them.” Patti Stone also a member stated, “As long as you are a member of Friends of Albions Animals then you are following the city’s ordinance, then you can feed and provide shelters for cats.” She went on to explain that cats living outdoors are safer in shelters and less likely to lose toes and ear tips to frostbite. Said Stone, “Anyone with an outdoor cat or that feeds community needs shelter, they can contact us and we can provide them to them.”
Other events coming for the Friends of Albion’s Animals include the Saturday, February 1st, Winterfest Bakesale and Hot Cocoa Bar outside of Yesterday’s News, a pet adoption event at Tractor Supply on February 8th at 10 AM and the Think Spring Salad Luncheon on March 15th at the American Legion.
Pictures by Sylvia Benavidez
This story is reprinted with permission from The Recorder.
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