Nonprofit cat rescue taking in Jackson Township strays
JACKSON TWP — A nonprofit owner is putting her own spin on the trap, neuter, return routine for stray cats of Butler County, by changing the “R” for “Return” to an “A” for “Adopt.”
Katie Wilson started a cat rescue organization in February so she could take in cats that have been trapped. She raises them and adopts them out to locals in order to help cut down on the number of stray cats roaming streets throughout the county.
Through this 501(c)(3), Katie’s Cat Rescue, Wilson said she hopes to give people a place to take cats they have trapped, so even after they are neutered or spayed, they don’t go back to the streets and instead can find a permanent home.
“I have linked up with other trappers in Butler, so we’re working ... I can hold them, get them to fosters,” Wilson said. “We’re networking with other people to try to get the sick ones off the street.”
Wilson has been keeping a dozen or so cats for a few weeks, with each cat family being confined in their own enclosure. She recently took in a mother cat and her litter, which she is waiting to adopt out so the kittens can grow properly and learn how to be good house cats.
Being with their mother, Wilson said, is a good way for kittens to become good pets, because they learn how to clean up after themselves and live with roommates. So families are kept together and for as long as possible in Katie’s Cat Rescue.
“My goal with taking multiples is to keep them with mom as long as possible,” Wilson said.
The adoption process at Katie’s Cat Rescue involves the creation of a personality profile for each cat, which then can be matched to a potential adopter, so they end up with a cat that fits their lifestyle. According to Wilson, applicants don’t directly choose what cat they take home, but instead work with Wilson to pick a fitting cat. The longer length of stay per cat also helps Wilson develop these feline personality profiles.
“It's like a two-step process. I kind of just look at the family, if they have kids, what kind of environment they have, then we match the cat to the household,” Wilson said. “I ask them 'What are you looking for? What do they look like, what gender, how active are you, how often are you home, how much time and money are you willing to put into your cat?’”
Wilson said she keeps in touch with adopters after they have taken a cat home, so she can help make sure the home has everything it needs to care for a new furry friend. People also can foster cats through the rescue, or foster to adopt, she said.
Ultimately, Wilson said she would hate to see these cats wind up back on the streets, so she has been pretty careful in adopting out cats to people who apply.
“That’s kind of how most of them ended up here is injuries and sickness,” Wilson said. “They have to go through an application process, and I wouldn’t say I’m strict or tedious, but you have to be willing to give them what they need.”
For more information on Katie’s Cat Rescue, visit its website at katie-catrescue.com. Wilson can be reached via email at Katie.catrescue@yahoo.com.
