newjerseynewsroom.com

BY PAT SUMMERS

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

“How can people do that?” we may wonder when another person does something thoughtless or insensitive.

That question becomes even more valid when what that person did was abandon or surrender a cat during the holiday season in the mist of winter weather.

And of course the innocent cat doesn’t understand what happened or why.

Suddenly, s/he’s in an animal shelter. That’s bad enough. But these days, many shelters are overcrowded and cats are allowed only so much time to be adopted before being euthanized. So much for “Happy Holidays.”

To find homes for cats who weren’t adopted before the holidays, or who were abandoned or surrendered during the holidays, “Trenton Cats” plans a cat adoption event later in the month. Rain or shine, it will run from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, at the Trenton Farmers Market, on Spruce Street in Lawrence Township.

Up to 25 cats, mostly adults and some kittens, all fully vetted, will be waiting in a big North Shore Animal League van, ready to meet people and hoping to go home with someone.

Adoption fees are $50 for an adult feline, half-price for a second one; and $80 for kittens under five months, half-price for a second one. All money raised goes toward vetting cats in and from Trenton.

Besides the van outside, “Trenton Cats” volunteers will staff a table at the crossroads inside the market. Those who can’t adopt a live animal right now are invited to donate $10 or more for a Beanie Baby. Some might offer to foster a cat until adoption, while others may wish to donate cat food or litter. All such offers will be accepted and appreciated, says Sandra Obi, who heads up “Trenton Cats.”

Much of Obi’s professional and personal life is focused on the well-being of felines. She’s also director of Project TNR (“New Jersey’s central resource for feral cat and Trap-Neuter-Return information”), a program of the Animal Protection League of NJ.

Because same-day adoptions are possible, those hoping to take home a cat or two should bring ID and cash (preferred for adoption fees), as well as two references who can be reached that day. For current pet owners, a vet reference is also desired. Cardboard carriers will be available, but people who have their own carriers should bring them.

Last year’s January event resulted in 19 adoptions. Obi hopes to beat that record this year, and send at least 20 cats to happy homes by the end of the day.

A shelter is not a home. Needing only that and people to love, these cats were ignored or dumped instead, landing in a shelter where they’re scared and overwhelmed – all through no fault of their own.

For details on the cat adoption event or to request advance applications, email Sandra at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or leave a message at 857-CAT-TOWN (857-228-8696).

Freelancer Pat Summers also blogs at www.AnimalBeat.blogspot.com and www.nj.com/pets.