Cat Haven and Project Purr join forces in hopes of bringing Baton Rouge closer to being a “no-kill” community
Last week, Baton Rouge’s two exclusively feline rescue organizations joined forces and formally merged.
Cat Haven was formed in 1999 to save homeless cats and kittens through fostering and adoption. In 2008, the rescue established the first cat-only shelter in the Baton Rouge and celebrated its 9,000th adoption in 2015.
Established in 2010, Project Purr set out to decrease the euthanasia of thousands of adoptable cats each year at the East Baton Rouge Parish animal shelter. Over the past five years, Project Purr has saved 2,925 lives and raised community awareness about the plight of shelter cats and the importance of feline rescue.
The impetus for the merger came in January 2015.
From August 2010 until December 2014, the Mall of Louisiana donated use of a second-floor kiosk for Project Purr adoptions. When mall management decided to redesign the area, the nonprofit rescue lost its heavily trafficked, high visibility venue.
Project Purr investigated a number of options, including opening its own shelter and/or joining forces with Cat Haven.
Opening a new cat/kitten shelter would involve significant expense (building purchase/rental, maintenance, staff, isolation rooms, medical supplies, etc.) and result in a duplication of services available at Cat Haven.
Moreover, “It became apparent both of our charities have a similar goal,” explains Project Purr Founder Peggy Polk, “to make Baton Rouge a kinder place for companion animals and to assist the public shelter in increasing the save rate of the massive numbers of cats and kittens impounded in its facility.”
So, beginning in March, the two boards of directors began discussion about how to work together to save more cats and kittens and help to bring Baton Rouge even closer to being a “no-kill” community.
“The more we talked [to Project Purr leadership], it made more sense to keep a single base of operation,” says Cat Haven Executive Director Wendy Decker, “and explore the possibility of having a remote adoption center.”
As part of the merger, Cat Haven has committed to continuing Project Purr’s mission of rescuing felines from the local shelter. During October, Project Purr’s operations and some staff will transfer to Cat Haven’s Harrell’s Ferry shelter. Project Purr’s adoption events at Millerville PetSmart and the Siegen Lane Petco will continue.
“We are very excited about continuing our mission as a unified organization,” Polk says. “Especially with the [planned] expansion of the Cat Haven shelter/adoption center, we look forward to being able to save even more lives.”
Creature feature
Here are a few of the great kittens and cats available from Project Purr and Cat Haven:
Jinx is a sweet boy who was abandoned at a vet’s office. He is front-paw declawed and gets along well with children. Jinx tolerates other cats but has never been around dogs.
One-year-old Pecan was trapped as a feral near a college campus. Fortunately, the person who trapped him realized he was friendly and would do better living in a home than being returned to the colony. Pecan can be a little shy at first. But, once he warms up, Pecan loves being petted.
Hocus Pocus is a sweet kitty who was living in a hoarding situation. This 4-month-old gets along well with children, other cats and small dogs.
These pets have all been vaccinated, spayed/neutered and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats and kittens are available at Cat Haven. Call the shelter at 636-2680 to make an appointment.
Myka is a gorgeous 2-year-old tuxedo Russian blue.
Scout is a 3-month-old a Siamese tabby mix. Although she is a little shy at first, Scout can become a great companion with a little time and patience.
Feisty and active, Chloe is a tiny female torbie (tabby/tortoiseshell mix).
All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and litterbox trained. Many other adoptable cats and kittens are available from Project Purr.
