20 Nov 2024

Why We Charge to Come In

by | posted in: General Updates | 0

A question we occasionally hear: “Why do I have to pay just to see the cats?”

We offer an experience of being among cats. Like going to a zoo, Disneyland, or the movies, guests pay for the experience of being around our group of cats. Unlike city or county shelters, we are not funded through taxes. We are an independent nonprofit organization.

“But I’m interested in adopting.”

People who end up adopting get their visit fees credited toward their adoption fee. But yes, we do ask people who are in the market to adopt to pay the entrance fee.

“You charge per person?”

Yes. We limit how many people can be in the lounge at once to minimize the stress on the cats and keep the experience more enjoyable for visitors.

“Don’t you want to adopt out the cats?”

We do. If our entry fee is a barrier to adoption we kindly point potential adopters to other locations including the county shelter.

14 Nov 2024

Thanksgiving Hours

by | posted in: General Updates | 0

Please note the following schedule changes for the week of Thanksgiving:

We will be closed Wednesday – Saturday (November 27-30).
We will be open our usual hours on Sunday, December 1st (12-4pm).

Our volunteers will be caring for the cats and enjoying some time with family and friends!

14 Nov 2024

The Purrfect Choice: The Benefits of Indoor-Only Cats

by | posted in: Education | 0

While outdoor cats may seem to roam free, they face numerous dangers that threaten their safety and well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of keeping your cat indoors:

  • Longer Lifespan: Indoor cats typically live longer, healthier lives. They are less exposed to diseases, parasites, and injuries from fights with other animals or accidents.
  • Reduced Risk of Illness: By limiting exposure to other cats and potential pathogens, indoor cats have a lower risk of contracting infectious diseases like feline leukemia or FIV.
  • Protection from Predators: Indoor cats are safe from predators like coyotes, foxes, and even larger birds of prey.
  • Peace of Mind for Owners: Knowing your cat is safe and sound at home can provide peace of mind for pet owners.
  • Environmental Impact: Outdoor cats can pose a threat to local wildlife. By keeping your cat indoors, you help protect birds, small mammals, and other creatures.

To ensure your indoor cat is happy and stimulated, provide plenty of enrichment opportunities, such as:

  • Interactive toys: Feather wands, puzzle feeders, and other creative toys can keep your cat entertained.
  • Climbing and Perching: Cat trees and shelves offer opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
  • Regular Playtime: Spend quality time with your cat, engaging in play sessions to burn off energy.
  • Window Views: Provide a window perch with a bird feeder or other outdoor activity to stimulate your cat’s natural instincts.

By making the decision to keep your cat indoors, you’re not only protecting your furry friend but also contributing to a healthier and safer environment for all.

30 Sep 2024

July – September Check-In

by | posted in: Adoptions, General Updates, Spay and Neuter, Volunteers | 0

The first half of the year has officially passed and we are looking forward to fall/winter. We wanted to share a few highlights from the third quarter of 2024.

Adoptions: 23 cats and kittens have found their forever homes so far this year, bringing our overall total since opening in June 2021 to 166 adoptions as of September 30th.

Current Residents: We have 12 cats living in the lounge right now: Braeburn, Cici, Dotty, Fuji, Mollie, Noah, Pepper, Princess, Raven, Sizzle, Sophie, and Spice. Our three newest cats joined us from the Apple Valley shelter. They were taking in animals from Big Bear and Devore during the fires so we pulled three cats from them to help free up some space in their shelter.

Lounge Improvements: We replaced the screens in two of the screen doors and will be replacing one more screen in one of the hallway doors.

Medical Expenses: We had four kittens spayed/neutered, microchipped, and tested for FIV and FeLV. The humane society in Ojai is so helpful to us with these procedures. We took care of Princess’ dental needs which included 10 extractions. She is feeling SO much better now and we are grateful to Dr. Moore and her staff for her expertise and care. Noah, Spice, and Sizzle had routine vet exams and got their vaccinations updated.

Volunteers: We have roughly 19 dedicated volunteers, including many who volunteer multiple times each week! Thanks to Jackie, Al, Robin, Brian, Shannon, Donna, Kay, Dani, Barbara, Laura, Jennifer R., Jen F., Karla, Veaya, Marnae, Maddy, Beverly, Lizzie, and Claire.

Food and Litter Donations: We have had over $5000 worth of food and litter donated so far this year! These donations help immensely and allow us to use the money the lounge brings in to cover rent, utilities, Internet, insurance, security, and vet bills.

TNR Support: Through front desk jar donations we have raised $280 so far this year to help local volunteer trappers with the crucial work they are doing to help curb the overpopulation of cats and reduce suffering. We have also donated dry and wet food for them to use when trapping and share with the kind-hearted people who will continue to feed the feral cats on their property.