Feline rescue shelter feeling impact of economy

SALISBURY - Despite a weekend adoption drive and lowered adoption rates that sent nine kittens to new homes, Liz Pease, director of operations at the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, said the shelter is still full of cats and kittens in need of homes.

Factors from the down economy to the closing of other shelters have created a waiting list for cats to come into the no-kill shelter facility, which is so full that it could be weeks before the facility will be able to accept any more cats.

"We won't even be open to new intakes until mid-August or September. We're not alone. A lot of shelters are in the same boat as us," Pease said.

In an effort to jump-start adoptions and make some room at the inn, the MRFRS lowered its adoption rates this weekend. With over $500 in veterinary care before they're even picked up, including spaying and neutering, kittens are now going for $200, with cats at $125. The lowered rates are a result of a full shelter with more on the way.

"We're at capacity, with a waiting list of about 10 people who are waiting to drop cats off," Pease said.

Add to that all the litters of kittens that are reportedly being found outside, and it's no wonder the shelter, one of the few in the area that adheres to a no-kill policy, is full.

"We have 40 kittens up for adoption right now. There seems to be a really high number of friendly mom cats being dropped off pregnant," Pease said. That could be a sign of the economy.

"I think people say to themselves 'The cat's pregnant; I'm in no position to deal with this,'" Pease said.

While it's not unheard of for the shelter to be at capacity in the summer when litters of kittens are born, Pease said this year is one of the worst she can remember.

Recently, a sanctuary for feral cats that the MRFRS oversaw in Danville, N.H., was shut down, as it was too expensive and too far away to properly manage, adding 15 more cats to the residents' list in Salisbury. Combine the slow economy, the time of year when kittens are born and a shutdown facility, and it's a perfect storm of bad timing that results in high shelter numbers.

"We're hoping to build an indoor/outdoor facility here at the shelter for the feral cats, but until we get the permits and get the ball rolling, we're taking care of them here at the shelter," Pease said.

It's all those additional costs, as well as the older and ailing cats, that make the adoption fees what they are.

"All these cats need care. You have to realize, when I take in an 18-year-old diabetic cat that requires $5,000 worth of care, no one is going to adopt it. That cat will spend the rest of its life here with us. We're also one of a few shelters that keep feline leukemia-positive cats. There's not much of a lifespan there, but they deserve a shot. When someone pays $200 to take a kitten home, they're not just paying for that creature's care, but for all the cats here that won't go to a home," Pease said.

With only a handful of paid employees, Pease said it's the volunteers that are the work force of the shelter.

"We have over 250 volunteers," she said. "It's those volunteers that keep us afloat. The place would shut down in the summer if it weren't for them."

The 40 active foster homes, which house kittens until they are eight weeks old — allowing them to get accustomed to children and other household animals — also help the shelter to expand its capacity. Right now, there are around 60 kittens in foster homes that will move to the shelter when they are old enough.

For those looking to adopt, Pease said the process is a lot more simple than they may think, and now is the perfect time to bring home a new family member.

"Summer is a great time for people to adopt, when they're home a little bit more to get to know their new cat or kitten. There are no references needed. We used to not give cats to anyone who was going to let them outdoors; that's done away with. We just talk to people for a little bit. As long as the animals are going to be loved, get basic veterinary care and are going to a good home, we're happy."

There are always adoption deals for those thinking about taking in a feline friend. Two kittens can be adopted for $300, barn cats are available with a cage and food for whatever donation people want to give, and the shelter does a "seniors for seniors" deal, in which humans older than 60 can take home a cat older than 5 for free. The shelter is also flexible when it comes to adult cat adoption fees, as mature cats are often overlooked for the cuter, more cuddly kittens.

"More kittens get taken home, but with adults, you know what you're getting, you know their personality. If we could move some of the older population out of the shelter, that would give us some room to work with," Pease said.

Area restaurants are also doing what they can to help fund the nonprofit shelter, donating a certain portion of a certain night's proceeds to the MRFRS. Connie's Stagecoach will give 15 percent of their sales from 3 to 8 p.m. on July 14 to the shelter, David's Tavern will give 10 percent of theirs from 5 to 8 p.m. on July 20, and the aptly named Phat Cats will donate 10 percent of their sales from 5 p.m. to closing on Aug. 18.

If a new feline family member isn't on the agenda, Pease pointed to other avenues for individuals who want to get involved.

"We're always looking for volunteers. People can sponsor a cat here in the shelter, and we can't keep enough cat food, kitten food or cleaning supplies stocked on the shelves. There are so many ways people can help."

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