Their nine lives can only get better
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BY CINDY LANGE-KUBICK
Cases of Whisker Lickins and stacks of tuna-flavored kitty "yums" made the perfect background for Tuesday morning's announcement at the Capital Humane Society: an adopt-a-thon.
For cats only.
Specifically, more than 100 cats and kittens that were seized from 4120 Linden St. last week.
A total of 146 cats were found in the basement of the house and brought to the shelter at 2320 Park Blvd. Ten have been euthanized. The cats' owner, Rickey Meyer, was ticketed on suspicion of several violations, including exceeding the legal number of cats in a house and unsanitary conditions.
It was the largest cat rescue ever in the city.
And this week shelter staffers are putting in long hours to ready dozens of black and white and gray cats for adoption.
They're administering vaccinations, microchipping, testing for disease, getting rid of ear mites.
Oh, and solving the problem that turned a mere four cats into a living cat carpet on Linden Street.
"It's kind of a joke," said staff veterinarian Robin Dishman. "We're trying to perfect the eight-minute cat spay."
The shelter is also waiving its standard $75 adoption fee for the three-day adopt-a-thon that begins Friday. The total adoption cost will dip to $20 for a rabies shot and city licensing fee.
"We want to create as many positive outcomes as possible," said Bob Downey, the Humane Society's executive director.
Board members, former employees and volunteers will be on hand to help with the adopt-a-thon - a first for the shelter.
Prospective cat owners should expect to fill out paperwork and answer questions pertaining to their suitability for adopting. Because most of the cats were not litter-trained, information on such training will come with the new pets.
The cat saga has generated a plethora of donations: 3,400 pounds of cat and kitten food; 1,500 pounds of kitty litter; $8,658 in cash.
The shelter is also swimming in other cat-related supplies and is grateful for the services of several area veterinary clinics, said Downey.
The Humane Society has plenty of Whisker Lickins, but money to help offset the cost of caring for the cats is still welcome.
Tuesday, the shelter received a check for $100 from a cat lover in Connecticut.
Downey hopes the widespread interest results in a wealth of warm bodies at shelter doors this week-end.
"My desire is we'll be as busy as all get out."
Reach Cindy Lange-Kubick at 473-7218 or clangekubick@;journalstar.com.
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