Welcome to Coastal Cats & Critters

As a lot as all of us love cats, we additionally know that in lots of components of the nation (and the world), the issue of stray, feral, and undesirable cats is one thing of an epidemic. Those that work tirelessly, day in, day trip to assist management and look after these free-roaming felines achieve this with out asking for recognition or awards, and so they do it regardless of their efforts generally feeling like a tiny drop within the huge ocean that’s the stray cat inhabitants. Final week, we had the pleasure of assembly with a kind of unsung heroes from the place she calls work – and residential – the Coastal Cats & Critters Sanctuary in South Alabama.

Paisley Shook has at all times been an animal lover, and when the chance got here as much as be a part of the staff of 15 everlasting workers and 30 volunteers at Coastal Cats & Critters, she jumped on the probability. Though she was devastated when she missed out on the place the primary time round, she wasn’t going to let it dampen her enthusiasm, and the next yr, she landed her dream job. Dwelling onsite at Coastal Cats & Critters not solely signifies that she is at all times there in case an issue arises, she additionally will get to hang around together with her lovely Border Collie, spend time with the cats that decision the sanctuary house, and befriend the varied critters which have additionally discovered themselves in want of long run lodging. That’s proper, along with greater than 300 cats, there may be an array of horses, cattle, goats, chickens, turkeys, and by no means a uninteresting second. However, Paisley managed to carve out a while to hitch Nicole & Dr. Karyn for an episode of our Chatty Catty’s podcast, and inform us a bit extra concerning the work being accomplished down in Baldwin County, Alabama.

From Cats to Critters

The Coastal Cat Sanctuary got here into existence when a stray cat colony that had been residing behind a restaurant wanted to be relocated. Having already been TNRed (trap-neuter-return), this secure colony fashioned the small basis on which a a lot higher challenge could be constructed. Quick ahead 4 years and the sanctuary is now house to round 350 cats, surrounded by cat and predator-proof fencing with numerous out of doors enclosures, heated & air conditioned barns, indoor services for cats needing nearer monitoring, separate acclimation pens for brand new arrivals, in addition to a devoted house for cats with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Over time, different animals in want joined the ever-growing feline inhabitants, and so the cat sanctuary turned a cats & critters sanctuary.

Whereas the perfect state of affairs could be to search out loving properties for each cat that finds themselves in an animal shelter or rescue, there are people who, via no fault of their very own, are merely not suited to a home life-style. Quite than residing out their days in small pens or being euthanized as a result of overpopulation, sanctuaries like Coastal Cats & Critters are offering a everlasting house the place these cats are free to spend as a lot or as little time involved with different cats and people as they please. The 30 lively volunteers and 4 everlasting workers are there to offer every cat with the meals, healthcare, and companionship they want, around the clock, whereas guests to the sanctuary are in a position to go to with the feline residents and supply enrichment and socialization. The sanctuary additionally helps facilitate the rehoming of round 5 cats per thirty days – extra throughout kitten season – with the choice in the end mendacity with the cat in query. If the cat says no, they don’t must go.

Paisley instructed us about one cat specifically whose break up persona has resulted in her being labelled as unsuitable for rehoming. Willow has been a agency favourite amongst workers and guests, together with her cheeky and affectionate antics, main her to have been adopted twice. Nevertheless, every time she has gone to a brand new house, her ‘Dr Jekyll’ persona emerges, and her adoptive dad and mom have reluctantly needed to convey her again. Some cats merely aren’t suited to the housecat life!

Along with offering everlasting lodging and look after cats (and critters), the sanctuary additionally participates in plenty of outreach applications geared toward supporting the local people, offering training on cat care and the significance of spaying/neutering, in addition to being a spot the place locals and holidaymakers come to calm down and spend time within the calming presence of cats. 

One of many challenges confronted by Paisley and the staff is the obvious unwillingness of Southern cat house owners to ask for or settle for assist. Regardless of providing their providers in taking in cats and aiding these in have to take care of their very own, Paisley is usually pissed off to search out that cats are nonetheless being dumped close by reasonably than surrendered correctly. One other manner by which the cat sanctuary is supporting their area people is by stocking pet food pantries the place individuals can entry free meals for his or her pets. Finally, the perfect place for a cat to be is with their household, and Paisley and the staff would favor to stop feline abandonment the place potential, reasonably than cope with the implications, however most significantly, desires to make sure that individuals know the way and the place to search out assist. 

Upcoming Occasions

Need to get entangled? April goes to be a busy month for Paisley and the staff at Coastal Cats & Critters, and you may be a part of within the enjoyable.

April 4: Paws within the Pasture – Springtime Critter Eggstravaganza

Be part of within the enjoyable on the sanctuary for the annual Easter egg hunt! Meet the Easter Bunny, go to with the cats, and see chickens, rabbits, goats, and different farmyard buddies. Get your tickets HERE.

April 28: Elberta German Sausage Pageant

Come and see the staff at their stand on the Elberta German Sausage Festival.

April 28-29: Coastal Cats & Critters Annual Yard Sale

The sanctuary’s largest fundraising occasion of the yr. Try their Facebook page for updates.  

Motion pictures & Meows

From the tip of April, the sanctuary shall be internet hosting month-to-month cat-themed film nights the place you’ll be able to sit back and watch a movie surrounded by feral felines!

These Heroes Want Your Assist

The heroes at Coastal Cats & Critters couldn’t do what they do with out the beneficiant assist of individuals such as you. To make a donation and keep updated with all the newest information and occasions:

• go to the website 
• try their linktree
• observe them on Facebook and Instagram
• and spend a while with them on TikTok

Did You Know?