Kitty Rescue and Adoption’s window on finding a new home for its rescued and feral cat population is starting to close, as the nonprofit has until the end of June to get out of its current location.
Founder Heidi Bourgeois said Tuesday that she and other volunteers have not given up hope yet and hope to find a new location in time.
“There is a need for us in the community,” said Bourgeois, who founded the no-kill cat sanctuary more than 14 years ago. “Things aren’t slowing down. We are right in the middle of kitten season right now and numbers are climbing.”
Last August, Kitty Rescue was given until the end of 2016 to move out of its current facility, but as time began to wind down, the landowner gave the nonprofit a six week extension at double the rent. Bourgeois said the intent was originally to construct a new building, but without the funding to do so, is trying to purchase a building that fits the cats’ needs.
Kitty Rescue recently raised over $750 at the second annual Cats on Mats – an event that combines kittens and yoga – at Forever Yoga in Milford, but to date has only raised $125,000. Bourgeois said that $125,000 isn’t enough to purchase a property in the area, and Kitty Rescue has discussed getting a loan of up to $100,000 for a new home.
Kitty Rescue currently has about 90 cats, the majority of which are feral. Bourgeois said she has thought of a plan b – bringing the cats to other animal shelters – but she is afraid of what could happen to those who can’t be adopted out.
“They will take them, but I fear what their fates would be after we dropped them off,” said Bourgeois.
Bourgeois said that Kitty Rescue is currently participating in a crowdrise campaign, which awards the shelters that raise the most money with a chance of winning additional funds. To donate, go to www.crowdrise.com/monadnock-kitty-rescue-and-adoption-savingpetschallenge.