Photo by Sabrina Millis
Regina’s homeless cats have a tireless team of volunteer advocates and caregivers at Regina Cat Rescue. The organization got its start as People for Animals some 35 years ago, and over time evolved into the cat rescue we know today. These days, Regina Cat Rescue focuses its energy on maintaining community cat colonies throughout the city and providing foster homes and adoption services for homeless cats.
There is an overpopulation of cats across North America, and the city of Regina is no exception. Regina Cat Rescue is doing their part to reduce this population. Trapping, neutering or spaying and returning community cats to their colony is one of the best ways to deal with the issue. “Our Trap/Neuter/Return program reduces the cat population over time,” says Alanna Whippler, Intake and Adoption Coordinator. “We’re seeing our older colonies declining through this program. It works very well.” In addition to the neutering program, Regina Cat Rescue also keeps colonies fed and watered year round, and keeps an eye on the health of the community cats. “Community cats can have long lives, and we do what we can to keep them safe and healthy while reducing their population humanely,” says Whippler.
Photo by Sabrina Millis
Regina Cat Rescue also works hard to get socialized cats into loving homes through their fostering and adoption program. Whether cats are found abandoned, the organization has a network of foster homes to provide a safe, happy place to stay while a permanent home is found. “We’re always looking for foster homes for our cats,” says Whippler. “If you can have pets in your residence and want to open your home to a kitty in need, we would love to have you foster. It doesn’t matter if you have children or other pets. In fact, it’s great if you do. The more a cat can be socialized, the better.” The organization will supply the food and litter for your furry charge. All you have to do is supply the love and cuddles for the time your foster cat is with you waiting for its forever home – it’s a win-win. And, sometimes foster homes fall in love and the cat becomes what is lovingly referred to as a “foster fail.” “We love foster fails,” says Whippler.
The organization is run strictly with volunteers. A core of 40 to 50 cat lovers do everything including maintaining cat colonies, ferrying cats to foster homes and vet appointments, handling adoptions, fostering cats, caring for orphaned kittens, serving on the board, updating the website and social media, fundraising and so much more. While there’s a lot to keeping the rescue running, supporting Regina Cat Rescue is easy. “We’re always looking for donations of time, supplies or money,” says Whippler. “Even if you can’t commit to being a foster home or maintaining a colony, simply donating cat supplies or cash is gratefully accepted.” Regina Cat Rescue takes donations year-round, and they are always in need of cat food (especially canned), cat litter (clumping is the best), kitten milk for the orphans, and building supplies or extension cords for colonies. Cash donations help pay for veterinary bills and for the trap/neuter/return program that does so much to reduce the cat overpopulation. Whatever you can do, through your business or personally, makes a direct difference in the lives of cats in Regina.
To learn more about Regina Cat Rescue, to see how you or your organization can help and to view adoption profiles for cats in need, visit reginacatrescue.com.