Craig Street Cats

Craig Street Cats is at a crossroad. For a long time now there has been much more work than one person can handle. I have been working 20 hour days, 7 days a week, trying to keep up with everything — cleaning and caring for the cats, adminsitrative tasks, fundraising, event planning, outreach, etc., etc.,. I cannot keep it up.

If we are to continue, we need many more volunteers and foster homes. As a minimum, we need 3 volunteers every morning from 9:30 to noon, to care for the cats and kittens, clean and sanitize kitten pens and cat areas, feed kittens, and do the cat laundry. The cats need care every day, 365 days a year. They don’t stop getting hungry on weekends and holidays. Volunteers must be able to work independantly.  This is the down and dirty part of cat care — cleaning litter boxes, doing dishes, taking out garbage, washing floors, doing laundry.  All of this must be done every day.  We need people to step up and take on this responsibility.

We also need at least 12 more foster homes. Some of them must be long term fosters, for cats and kittens that are unlikely to be adopted. Food and veterinary care are provided for foster cats and kittens.

In addition to cat care volunteers and foster homes, we must develop a fundraising and event planning committee that is self directed and ongoing.  We need a strong core of self motivated people who can get things done without constant supervision.

The cats need your help.  Please volunteer or agree to foster.  You can call 223-6652 or email cats@wolseleygirl.com for more information.

Lots of interesting things have been happening around here.  Throughout November and December Craig Street CAts was the recipient of some amazing acts of generosity.  We were able to bring most of our bills up to date and had a little left to take care of some storage and transportation issues that have been plaguing us for quite awhile.

Storage has been a huge issue around here.  As much as I love my character home, I have to admit that it is sadly lacking in the closet department.  Part of the funds raised were used to buy cabinets and storage containers for all of the cats’ assorted paraphenelia (food, dishes, toys, medical supplies, towels, blankets . . .).

 Some of you already know that we were able to buy a used van last week.  It’s very nice to be able to do all the things that need to be done without having to wait for someone else to be able to give the cats and me a ride.  It’s also very nice to NOT have to pay cab fare when nobody is able to ferry us around.  That’s the good stuff.

Of course, being mobile now, the first thing I did was take critters to see the vet.  It turns out that just about all of them have ear mites.  Now, ear mites are a very common thing.  They are not an issue when you have one, or two, or even six cats.  When you have 23 cats and 20 kittens, however, ear mites are no laughing matter.  All of the cats have to be treated.   On top of that whopper, we have 12 kittens going in for spay and neuter over the next 2 weeks.  Another 8 will have to go within a month after that.

We had almost 3 glorious months where there was enough money to pay the bills as they came in, and a little left to do things that needed to be done.  Now it’s back to reality and the need to get out and do fundraising.  There truly is no rest for the weary.

Today Cuddles was adopted by a lovely couple.  She went home with her new mom and dad this afternoon.  I’m sure she will be happy with them and her two new kitty brothers.

Only 18 more cats and 20 kittens to go

I am thrilled to say that Debbie at Grower Direct has decided to continue the single rose promotion through to the end of January!  Yep, for the rest of this month proceeds from every individual rose sold at the 939 Portage Ave. location will be donated to Craig Street Cats.

This month Debbie has added something new.  When you stop in at the shop, you will have the opportunity to buy a cup of delicious Robbin’s Donuts coffee (coffee and fixings generously donated by Andrea of the Waverly Robbin’s location).  Every penny raised will be donated to Craig Street Cats.

Soooo, drop in, buy a rose for someone you love, grab a great cup of coffee, and help care for homeless cats while you’re doing it.