Town Cats provides sanctuary for homeless cats and kittens
Morgan Hill resident Rosi Mirko has always had an affinity for cats
and kittens, but she never thought she would have her own legion of
felines waiting for adoption. Since opening her no-kill cat shelter
called Town Cats in 1998, Mirko now provides sanctuary for more
than 80 cats at one time.
Morgan Hill resident Rosi Mirko has always had an affinity for cats and kittens, but she never thought she would have her own legion of felines waiting for adoption.
Since opening her no-kill cat shelter called Town Cats in 1998, Mirko now provides sanctuary for more than 80 cats at one time.
The shelter provides homeless felines with a clean and safe environment, food and water, a place to sleep and play, a pillow to lie on, and even a lap on which to cuddle, until a good home can be found.
Mirko, a local insurance agent by trade, said her journey from a cat lover to a cat crusader all began when she found four cats in a bush by her office and took them in. Word spread, one cat quickly led to another, a phone call here and there, and soon she found herself taking in more cats then she knew what to do with.
Today, the numerous felines can be seen lounging around the 2,000 sq. ft. facility with 45 ft. high ceilings the nonprofit organization moved into in 2000.
And even though her current location is near bursting at the seams with cats of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages, Mirko still can’t resist saving one more cat from being killed. After learning the Animal Rescue League cannot begin to provide the necessary facilities to save the sea of stray animals in the region, she decided to do everything she can to help as many cats as possible from being euthanized at county run shelters. Often, she said, the animals are destroyed within a few days if a home is not found.
“San Jose takes in 1,600 cats each month, and they only have 250 cages,” said Mirko. “Five to seven million cats, dogs, puppies, kittens are euthanized each year.”
Often, Mirko will get a call and if a cat is on “death row,” she will take it in.
Mirko explained the mission of Town Cats is to provide a permanent adoption center/shelter for homeless felines to find a safe home and raise awareness of the ever-growing problem of stray and feral felines in South County.
Last year, Town Cats found homes for 763 cats and kittens. So far this year, the organization has helped about 600 cats.
“It’s really rewarding to see them go to good homes.” said Mirko.
Currently, there are 80 felines roaming the center and most appear quite content with their temporary home. The numerous cat condos, scratching posts and even murals of pleasant scenes painted by volunteers provide the cats with plenty of activity.
“We try to entertain our cats,” said Mirko. “They really look at the murals, which are colorful and provide a change of scenery for them. At night, I’ll turn down the lights on low and play soft music.”
She said Town Cats lets people know about cats and kittens needing homes through the newspapers and their Web site at www.towncats.com. She also takes the cats and kittens to adoption fairs held at different stores in the area, like Petco.
The unconditional love they receive and desire to care for the helpless animals is what drives Town Cats volunteers to continue their work.
“I was looking for some volunteer work and found out about Town Cats online, and I love cats,” said Judy Schroeder, a Morgan Hill resident, who is now retired from her job as an escrow officer. Schroeder has been a volunteer kennel attendant for four years. She works the morning shift, five days a week, beginning at 8am. She comes in, sweeps and mops the place, cleans the community litter boxes, feeds the cats wet food and gives medicine to the cats who need it.
“I like the time when I socialize and cuddle with them,” said Schroeder.
“I love cats, and at one time, I had four cats, two dogs and a ferret. Now my husband will let me keep only one cat, so I come here and get my fill of the cats. I love to cuddle with them,” said Anne Davis, a San Jose resident who volunteers at the Morgan Hill shelter once a week.
Mirko and her volunteers get quite attached to the cats and kittens. Of course, all the volunteers have had their favorite residents, such as 18-year-old Sumare, a Siamese, who suffered from leukemia, and Kahlua, a 12-year-old diabetic. Both the cats have since found homes.
Then there’s Dairy Queen, a grandma, whom they have retired due to kidney problems. She now lives permanently at the center. Dairy Queen, her two daughters and their litters – a total of 16 kittens, were found at an apartment complex, Mirko said. When the two daughters could no longer nurse their litters, Dairy Queen filled in.
“Hence, the name, Dairy Queen,” Mirko laughed.
Mirko also cares for cats and kittens who are ill. They are regularly seen by veterinarians at South County Animal Hospital and given shots and medicines by Mirko and her volunteer staff. All kittens at the center are neutered at two pounds or eight weeks.
Town Cats is a nonprofit group that operates through donations. Science Diet helps the center too, by providing the center with 550 pounds a week of cat food almost at cost. The Town Cats shelter only takes in domestic or tamable feral cats and kittens that are homeless, injured, or orphaned. None of the cats or kittens are euthanized unless they are ill or injured beyond recovery, according to Mirko.
Mirko said donations are always welcome and currently, she is in need of volunteers, particularly for the morning shift. Hours are flexible. To learn more about Town Cats, volunteer or adopt a cat, check the Web site at www.towncats.com, or call (408) 710-4081.
Rose Meily covers City Hall for the Morgan Hill Times. Reach her at 408-779-4106 or by e-mail at rm****@mo*************.com
