Help for Street Cats

They’re the cats that no one cares about.

They’re the cats that no one cares about. Some had homes at one time, but you would hardly know it from their lack of trust. They fend for themselves, scouring neighborhoods for that occasional bowl of food. First there are a few, and then there are dozens, as litter after litter matures and reproduces.

For those willing to help these unwanted and feral cats, StreetCats has a low-cost spay and neuter voucher program called A Stitch in Time. Now in its tenth year, A Stitch in Time provides 75 vouchers each month for $20 each. The vouchers allow a spay or neuter and a one-year rabies vaccination at any of eight participating veterinary clinics.

Linda Holland, board of directors' treasurer and program coordinator, believes trap/spay/release is the only humane method to successfully stop street cats from multiplying, and to dramatically reduce the number of cats who need homes. It’s a sad but true statistic that in seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats.

“This assistance program is intended only for strays and ferals,” says Holland. “It is not for people’s pets. There are other local programs to address the needs of pet owners.”  

A Stitch in Time is for people who want to help these forgotten felines, but do not have the financial means to take the cats to their own veterinarians. StreetCats can provide live traps for securing feral cats, as well as advice on how to handle them. But they do not have the manpower to trap or transport the cats. Vouchers must be approved in advance. To apply, call (918) 298-0104 or email eat0@eau0eav0eaw0.

The all-volunteer not-for-profit organization relies on donations and fundraisers to support their efforts. Their primary fundraiser, My Furry Valentine, will be held Sunday, January 31 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Tulsa Historical Society at 2445 S. Peoria. The annual event brings cat lovers together to enjoy samplings of premier desserts, including cheesecake, bread pudding, pie, cake, and cookies, from some of Tulsa’s finest restaurants. Sip a cup of coffee from Starbucks, or enjoy a glass of punch or wine.

An assortment of gift baskets and other items will be presented for a silent auction. These themed baskets of food, fragrances, flowers, sports items and more make wonderful Valentine’s Day gifts for people and their feline companions.

Local businesses have donated merchandise for many of the baskets. Each donation is recognized and tax-deductible. Anyone who wants to showcase their products or services may contact StreetCats to participate.

One lucky winner will take home an award-winning quilt, hand made by volunteer and well-known quilter Nancy Adams. Nancy’s polka dot quilt features 56 cat outlines in different polka dot patterns. In October the quilt was awarded a blue ribbon in Claremore’s Country Fare Quilters’ Guild Quilt Show. Admission to My Furry Valentine is $25 per person and $45 per couple.

StreetCats also has cats waiting for permanent loving homes at their transition home at 6520 E. 60th St. All cats are cared for until they are matched with the right person or family, no matter how long that takes. The site is also home to the StreetCats boutique that features toys and special treats for the kitties, as well as cat-themed gifts, household items and apparel for the people who love them.

For more information on A Stitch in Time, My Furry Valentine or adopting a cat, call StreetCats at (918) 298-0104.  

For more information, contact

StreetCats

(918) 298-0104

www.StreetCatsTulsa.org