Paws-itively amazing
Toni Ferencak used to volunteer for Catnip Acres Rescue in Waynesburg.
She knew it was difficult to keep up with the unwanted or abandoned cats and kittens, and there were never enough volunteers to help.
It was so difficult, the nonprofit closed for nearly a year, but after Ferencak retired, she decided to give it another try.
“I wanted to do something on a foster-based program. We repainted and reopened the rescue in May of 2023, and we typically have around 100 cats between foster homes and the rescue,” The Waynesburg woman said.
As she quickly found, 100 cats and kittens were just the tip of the iceberg.
“Everyone wants a kitten when it’s small and cute, but then it’s tossed outside without getting spayed or neutered. I thought things were under control until you get involved with a nonprofit like this, and there are just so many cats, there’s not enough homes for all of them,” Ferencak said.
Already at her limit, Ferencak recently received a call about a gentleman who had to suddenly leave his home and his nine cats. Another man traveled back and forth to his home to care for them, but it was just becoming too much.
“This was an impeccable camper but eventually, the gas is going to run out, and it’s going to be too cold for them,” Ferencak said. “My point is, these are sweet kitties. They’re not bad, and they’re not feral. Adoptions are happening but not quick enough.”
Volunteer foster families keep the rescue’s kittens until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered, and every two weeks, a new group of cats are brought to the PetSmart in Washington for adoption. Families have the opportunity to adopt directly from the nonprofit, too.
So far, things have been working well.
“My goal in 2024 was to adopt out 100 cats, and I’m currently at 167,” Ferencak said. “I think we’ll end the year close to 175. That means we’ve saved 220 cats in less than two years.”
The Catnip Acres volunteer crew can’t do it alone.
They are always looking for ways to raise funds and they are completely dependent upon donations.
Those who follow their Facebook page at Catnip Acres Rescue/PetSmart Alternate Adoption Site will often see Ferencak selling tickets to raffle off donated prizes such as gift cards, electronics and high-end items.
The funds raised go toward veterinarian appointments, needed surgeries and medications to bring many of the kittens and cats back to health. They also have an Amazon wish list for items needed at the rescue.
“If it weren’t for people donating, I couldn’t do this. Someone recently said, ‘I didn’t realize the amount of work involved here.’ We are here every day, multiple times per day, to care for the cats,” Ferencak said. “The cats don’t have a voice. It’s time consuming but very rewarding as well. When one of them finds a forever home, it makes you happy you did what you did to help.”