Shreveport’s Purr-fect Night: Cat Video Fest Helps Kitties Find Homes
On a delightful Friday night in Shreveport, Louisiana, the Robinson Film Center became a hub of excitement as it partnered with Robinson’s Rescue for a cause close to many hearts — helping cats find loving homes. The occasion was the much-anticipated premiere of the “Cat Video Fest,” a charming compilation of the internet’s cutest feline moments, designed for the big screen. The evening didn’t just celebrate feline antics; it also raised a paw-sitive contribution for a local shelter.
Opening the Doors to Adoption
The night was not only about laughter and entertainment; it was about making a real difference in the lives of cats in need. Robinson’s Rescue coordinator, Alexis Svehla, explained, “A portion of all the ticket proceeds are going to be donated to Robinson’s Rescue. It’s a win-win situation for us and for the cats that are looking for their forever home.” Thanks to the incredible support from the community, 20 cats were adopted that night, bringing joy to both the animals and their new families.
The Need for Fosters
But what if you’re not ready to adopt? Well, there’s still plenty you can do! The need for fosters is greater than ever. “We really need somebody to come in and help foster the kittens. If you take them into your homes, we will pay for bedding, food, litter, whatever. We just need people to open their homes for a few weeks,” said Jeri Perez, secretary of Serendipity Cat Rescue. This is a fantastic opportunity for those who want to make a difference but may not have the ability to adopt a pet full-time.
Addressing the Cat Overpopulation Issue
Shreveport-Bossier faces a significant challenge regarding feral cat colonies, also known as “community cats.” Keri Mueller, the Director of Port City Rescue, pointed out an urgent concern: “There is a very large problem of overpopulation in our area. There are a lot of free-roaming cats out there that keep reproducing and are not fixed.” Unlike many places where cats breed seasonally, Louisiana’s warm climate allows cats to reproduce year-round, leading to an alarming overpopulation.
Did you know that cats can start reproducing as early as four months old and can have litters every two to three months? This rapid rate of reproduction makes addressing the issue even more crucial. Rescuers advocate the trap-neuter-release (TNR) method as the most effective way to manage the feral population. The process involves humanely trapping the cats, having them spayed or neutered, and then returning them to their communities.
How Can You Help?
If you encounter a feral cat, you can help by requesting a trap and bringing the cat to a rescue for spaying or neutering. “You use a cage that has a plate at the back. Once the cat is fully on the plate, the trap door will close. You can lure them in with strong-smelling food,” explained Sophie Ketchum. If you notice a cat with a clipped ear in your neighborhood, congratulations! That means the cat has already been trapped, spayed or neutered, and released back into its habitat.
Join the Fun at Cat Video Fest!
The “Cat Video Fest” runs through Thursday, providing cat lovers a chance to revel in adorable videos while supporting a noble cause. For those feeling inspired to foster a kitten, participate in TNR efforts, or volunteer to help transport cats, consider reaching out to Robinson’s Rescue. Every little bit helps, and who knows — you could be the one to provide a temporary sanctuary to a furry friend in need!
As the evening at the Robinson Film Center demonstrated, when communities come together for a common cause, they can truly change lives. Whether through adoption, fostering, or volunteering, there are countless opportunities to lend a paw in making a difference. So why not get involved today?
