Photos of a cat that was attacked by a Bob cat and rescued by the Westfield Homeless cat Project. According to Project founder Denise Sinico “he’s had several surgeries and he’s finally walking around the clinic at Blandford Animal Hospital. We thought in the beginning that he wasn’t going to make it but here he is out of pain and finally getting around. We see lots of things like this it’s never ending and heart breaking.” (WESTFIELD HOMELESS CAT PROJECT PHOTO)
WESTFIELD – More than 50 cats and kittens at the Westfield Homeless Cat Project are in need of care and forever families. And the Project is in desperate need of donations.
To keep the shelter afloat and give medical treatment to the cats, financial and other contributions are needed, said Project founder Denise Sinico.
“We’ve had to cancel all of our fundraisers which makes it difficult for us,” she said. “We will lose probably $20,000 because of this. We are hoping to have a tag sale as soon as the regulations ease up, but even that is doubtful at this time.”
The Westfield Homeless Cat Project is a no kill cat and kitten rescue and Sinico said “we spare no expense when it comes to saving a cat’s or kitten’s life.”
Recently, Sinico and her staff rescued a cat that had been attacked by a Bob cat. She said the cat had several surgeries and is still in the hospital but is doing well.
“It’s things like this that are expensive but because we have a no kill policy, we do everything in our power to save each and every cat and kitten that arrives here that needs our help,” Sinico said. “We’ve been here 14 years and have rescued and placed over 10,000 cats and kittens. I made a promise to myself when I started this that I would help every single cat I could until the day I die.”
While any donation of canned cat food and other supplies is needed and appreciated, Sinico said financial contributions are especially needed to keep up with medical expenses. In addition to routine medical needs and the attacked cat, Sinico said they recently treated a cat with a fractured leg.
There are dozens of cats and kittens in foster homes and the Project funds those cats in their temporary homes.
“We supply our foster homes with everything they need to properly care for our pregnant cats and mother with babies,” said Sinico. “Some of the homes go through several cans of cat food a day. I have over a dozen foster homes and they are all filled to the brim with cats and kittens.”
The Project is continuing its adoptions during the pandemic but does not currently offer open adoption hours.
This kitten came to the Westfield Homeless cat Project with a fractured leg. She was taken care of by Blandford Animal Hospital and then after she healed, she found a home through the Project. (WESTFIELD HOMELESS CAT PROJECT PHOTO)
“We are doing adoptions over the internet and making appointments for those who are interested in adult cats,” Sinico said. “We are not allowing anyone to visit foster homes, however we are allowing, by appointment only, to meet our adult cats here.”
Masks, washing or sanitizing hands before coming in and keeping social distancing during the visit are required.
Monetary donations can be mailed to Westfield Homeless Cat Project, 1124 East Mountain Road, Westfield, MA 01085.
“Donations of canned cat food can be dropped off anytime and people can just leave it outside with a note if they wish,” said Sinico. “The brands of canned cat food we use are Friskies, Fancy Feast and Pro Plan. We have over 50 cats and kittens in foster care right now.”
Feline companionship appears to be a priority right now.
“Adoptions are going very well,” said Sinico. “It seems everyone is looking for companions right now. All cats and kittens are fully vetted before they are up for adoption, Neutered/spayed, tested for FIV/Felv, vaccinated etc. It’s going to be a long and difficult road during this pandemic but I have determination beyond what is normal to continue to help our feline friends that are homeless, abandoned, abused and surrendered.”
