When shelters were first brought about, cats were not the main priority. However, a sanctuary to care for these creatures opened new possibilities for strays.
Since 1999, Cat Haven has helped cats that have nowhere to go. It first started as an adoption rescue group and now it has a newly renovated facility and partners with other adoption agencies to help cats find their perfect fur-ever home.
Cat Haven’s facility on N. Harrell’s Ferry Road has been open since 2008, and it merged with Project Purr in 2015. Wendy Decker, the executive director, gave a big helping hand in creating the Cat Haven organization. She was a board member with CAAWS (Capital Area Animal Welfare Society) and she felt there was a big need in providing shelter for cats specifically.
“Some of our board members wanted to go in a different direction during that time, and we wanted to get more cats we could pull from the shelter,” Decker said. “So, then Project Purr and Cat Haven then had the same mission.”
Angela Schifani, the development director, focuses on fundraising and communications for Cat Haven.
“Month-to-month there are normally 100 felines in the shelter, not including the few that stay with foster volunteers,” Schifani said.
Cat Haven has thrived to help all kittens and cats around the Baton Rouge area. The facility has fostered a community for strays and lost cats.
“Our mission is to lead Baton Rouge into a no kill community for cats, which is why we take cats in and get them medically ready for adoption,” Decker said.
They play a huge role in keeping the feline population under control as well.
“We also advocate spay/neuter, and we have a monthly spay day with LSU, about eight times a year,” Decker said. “The spay/neuter is important with our no-kill mission because we want to make sure we’re providing a good quality of life for the cats in the community, and if there is overpopulation, then that affects the quality of life for them,” Schifani added.
When a new cat arrives to Cat Haven, they go through a particular procedure so their stay there can be more comfortable and enjoyable.
“They are taken to the back and tested for feline leukemia and FIV, given their first vaccinations, de wormed, and lastly to a foster home” Decker said
After a bit of time they are given their second round of vaccinations and sent back to the shelter to try to get adopted. They also take care of all their routine medical needs.
“We try to make it feel like home and keep them happy and help them socialize” Schifani said.
Foster families and volunteers are a big part in helping Cat Haven accommodate the cats. The volunteers and caretakers work certain shifts to clean cages, feed the cats and also socialize with them to keep them entertained.
Cat Haven works to provide a better life for cats and kittens. This sanctuary strives to care for it’s guests, but also to find its fur-ever home. Anyone can come into the shelter to pre-adopt, volunteer or even just socialize with the cats in their room colonies or kitty condos.
“A great service the foster and volunteers provide is playing and socializing with the cats, so they make good pets for families,” Schifani said.
Editor’s note: The original version of this article said Angela Schifani’s main job as development director was to make sure Cat Haven ran smoothly. The article has been updated with the appropriate job description.
