When Cherished Cats was founded in February of 2017, we weren’t sure where it would take us. However, with your support, we have seen our rescue grow by leaps and bounds. And while 2020 was surely quite an obstacle, we found continued success with the efforts of our resilient cats, reliable volunteers, committed board, and the amazing support of our community. We are excited to share the successes we had in 2020 and our hopes for ongoing success with you!
The Scratching Post Cat Cafe
Shortly after Cherished Cats was established, we opened The Scratching Post in December of 2017 with little idea of what to expect. The support we were met with exceeded our wildest dreams! And amidst the struggles of 2020 we continued to be amazed by the support we found at every turn. Through being closed for months, to limited hours and reservations systems, you were there for new fundraisers, donation requests, adoptions, and social media shares, and we cannot thank you enough. We plan to do some renovations in 2021, and look forward to a time when we can more regularly see the café full of happy visitors!
In an effort to be as COVID-safe as possible, the café is currently open by reservation only, and can be booked by visiting here: https://shopsmol.com/product/cafe-reservation/
Rescue & Adoptions
Like everything else in 2020, adoptions were different. With no events at PetSmart or other places, we relied heavily on social media to help our rescues find their forever families. We also began using a new database, PetStablished, which connects directly to PetFinder and other adoption websites. Through these efforts, we connected more than 300 cats with a new home! We learned a lot in 2020, and are looking forward to another busy year. If you’re interested in fostering with us, you can apply at www.cherishedcats.org/foster. We would love to have you!
Interested in adding a feline friend to your family? Visit www.cherishedcats.org/adopt to learn more about all the wonderful cats waiting for a forever family!
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Efforts
While finding homes for rescue cats is a significant part of what Cherished Cats does, the importance of TNR cannot be over-stated. Our local area has an abundant population of feral and stray cats, and spaying/neutering to reduce their numbers is vital to improving their lives. In 2020, Cherished Cats provided funding for the spaying/neutering of more than 250 stray and feral cats despite clinics being slowed down or closed due to the pandemic.
We are actively working to expand our support of TNR in the area, with a goal of financing the sterilization of at least 300 cats in 2021. To facilitate that effort, we need more people to be willing to do the legwork of trapping and transporting cats for surgery. Learn more at www.cherishedcats.org/tnr.
Pat’s Fund and Shrimpy’s Wall
Inevitably, some cats come into rescue with health issues beyond minor sniffles and eye infections. When a cat requires additional care, such as surgeries or dental work, Pat’s Fund is dedicated to covering these expenses so that our rescues and fosters can focus on providing the necessary attention and love to help them heal. In 2020, Pat’s Fund provided funding for a number of surgeries, including enucleations (eye removals) as well as dental procedures.
To learn more about Pat’s Fund and our beloved Shrimpy, visit www.cherishedcats.org/pats-fund.
Featured Adoptables
Meet Silver Sparkle:
Silver Sparkle’s story could have ended sadly. One of many cats at a feral colony we were helping with, she didn’t make it on the first caravan out. By a stroke of good fortune, one of our board members went back for her, and during her spay the following day it was discovered that she had pyometra, or an infected uterus. We’re so glad the timing worked out just right, and now Silver Sparkle is recovering in our care and will soon be available for adoption!
Meet Cupcake:
When a cat turned up at a local hospital, one of our fosters stepped up to take him into their care. He turned out to be the sweetest boy, despite some minor frostbite on his feet. He is now neutered and vaccinated, and just waiting for the right forever family to come along.
Would you like to add Silver Sparkle or Cupcake to your family? Visit www.cherishedcats.org/adopt for more information.
Wish Lists
Our Affiliated Rescues and Fosters, as well as The Scratching Post, are always in need of supplies including 13-gallon trash bags, paper towels, detergent, bleach, Clorox wipes, and gently used towels.
Items can be dropped off at The Scratching Post (230 Market Street, Lewisburg) during business hours, or ordered from our Amazon wish-lists:
www.cherishedcats.org/wishlists
Our 2020 successes would not have been possible without the incredible support of our donors and followers. We THANK YOU for your generosity and hope you will continue to support us as you consider your where to direct your philanthropy in 2021!
Mail: 230 Market Street, Suite 1 Lewisburg, PA 17837
