Help Us Help Stray and Abandoned Cats in NE Ohio
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Hello, my name is Wanda Nichols and I reside in Northeast Ohio with my husband Jeff, our rescue dog Eddie, and our once stray cat Boomer, who now prefers the safety and comfort of our home. Being lifelong animal lovers, it was difficult watching a large number of stray and abandoned cats within our community struggling just to survive. Rather than just turning our backs on them, we've decided to ensure that they will have a better life.
In the Fall of 2018 I spotted a group of nine cats living near a railroad track. Although a couple of people were occasionally bringing them dry cat food, it was apparent they were suffering from malnutrition and possible respiratory and eye problems. They lacked even basic necessities like fresh water. People have told me of a woman who moved up here from Fredricksburg in southern Ohio who brought with her approximately 90 cats. When she passed away all of these cats became homeless. These cats divided up into smaller groups, many of them stayed within close proximity of each other. Whether this is fact or not, these cats have definitely shown signs of being in close contact with humans before.
I began by bringing them fresh home cooked meals, such as chicken mixed with small amounts of vegetables and fruit. Since then, I've begun adding supplements to boost the nutritional value of their meals, such as Brewer's Yeast, diatomaceous earth, homemade apple cider vinegar, and fish oil. Containers for clean water are also set out at the feeding sites. Unfortunately, food tends to attract geese and raccoons which then chase away the cats despite my best efforts to prevent this. It is impossible to set up a proper feeding station as these cats are on private properties. Also, it should be noted that many of these cats are in urgent need of medical care. Several show signs of skin disease and a couple appear to suffer from conjunctivitis and blindness. All told, there are four colonies that I'm feeding within a mile radius and all of them need to be examined and treated by a veterinarian.
Although I feed twice a day, when the weather started turning colder it had became apparent that they needed more. Temperatures from December through February this year at times plummeted to sub-zero levels. In this harsh environment the only shelter they have is the crawl space under the abandoned building to protect them from the elements and the predators that have been seen in the area. The only warmth they receive is from each other. At least two cats froze to death and a few disappeared; whether they met the same fate or just moved on, I have no way of knowing for certain.
The cats living under the building require immediate attention. My greatest fear is they will become ill and it will be impossible to get them out, leaving them to die. There are "No Trespassing" signs up and I was told the owner of the property does not want them there. The building is about 12 feet from the street where an active train track separates the building from the road. During this Winter, four foot snowdrifts blocked their only entrance leaving them trapped inside. I had to grab my snow shovel from home and go back and dig them out. The cats came out and I was very relieved, but then later that same day the snowplow came by and buried them once again under a pile of snow. These cats are the most vulnerable where they are at and should be moved as soon as possible.
It's heartbreaking to watch these beautiful animals in such dire circumstances. Cautious as most of them are of people, they nuzzle and rub affectionately against each other. Several have shown signs of wanting to be friendly; vocalizing and allowing themselves to be briefly touched. It's an encouraging sign that these cats want to socialize with people. I've been told that there are people who have thrown rocks at the cats and have even gone as far as to try to hit them with their cars. Others who have tried to assist the cats have said that they were yelled at and threatened. I've experienced this behavior firsthand. Local businesses don't want them there, but they have no other place to go.
I have a large shed in my backyard that I want to convert into cat housing. I want to insulate it and provide heat for the Winter months, as well as providing ventilation to keep it cool in the Summer. I want to fence off as much of the land behind the shed as I can to provide them with a safe place to enjoy the outdoors. By keeping them close by it will be easier for me to feed and water them, to monitor their health, and to get them used to interacting with people. They will be cared for by people that genuinely love them and who want to provide them with a better life. Next, it is my intention is to obtain a 501(c)(3) certification. I've chosen "Easy Street Cats" for the non-profit organization's name, since the purpose is to allow these cats to have a carefree, happy life
But for me to achieve these goals, I need your help.
Your contributions will go towards much needed veterinary care, medications, and other medical necessities. After rehabilitation, we will attempt to find homes for the ones that can adjust to living with people again. Even if we can't find them adoptive families, these cats will always have a place to call home with us. Some of the funds will go towards re-purposing the outbuilding into a shelter for the animals (which includes insulation, bedding, flooring, lighting, heating, and windows) as well as fencing and posts for an outside run. Donations will also be used towards creating a food-bank to ensure that the cats will always receive healthy meals with crucial nutrients and keeping some in reserve for future veterinary care for the older cats.
Others view these cats as unwanted nuisances and are indifferent to their suffering. I see these cats for what they really are: pets that once experienced the warmth and care of people and through no fault of their own have been abandoned to survive as best as they can under some extremely difficult conditions. I can only hope that others will open their hearts to them and allow me the opportunity to rescue them from this dismal situation.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I greatly appreciate your donations or for sharing my GoFundMe with your network.
In the Fall of 2018 I spotted a group of nine cats living near a railroad track. Although a couple of people were occasionally bringing them dry cat food, it was apparent they were suffering from malnutrition and possible respiratory and eye problems. They lacked even basic necessities like fresh water. People have told me of a woman who moved up here from Fredricksburg in southern Ohio who brought with her approximately 90 cats. When she passed away all of these cats became homeless. These cats divided up into smaller groups, many of them stayed within close proximity of each other. Whether this is fact or not, these cats have definitely shown signs of being in close contact with humans before.
I began by bringing them fresh home cooked meals, such as chicken mixed with small amounts of vegetables and fruit. Since then, I've begun adding supplements to boost the nutritional value of their meals, such as Brewer's Yeast, diatomaceous earth, homemade apple cider vinegar, and fish oil. Containers for clean water are also set out at the feeding sites. Unfortunately, food tends to attract geese and raccoons which then chase away the cats despite my best efforts to prevent this. It is impossible to set up a proper feeding station as these cats are on private properties. Also, it should be noted that many of these cats are in urgent need of medical care. Several show signs of skin disease and a couple appear to suffer from conjunctivitis and blindness. All told, there are four colonies that I'm feeding within a mile radius and all of them need to be examined and treated by a veterinarian.
Although I feed twice a day, when the weather started turning colder it had became apparent that they needed more. Temperatures from December through February this year at times plummeted to sub-zero levels. In this harsh environment the only shelter they have is the crawl space under the abandoned building to protect them from the elements and the predators that have been seen in the area. The only warmth they receive is from each other. At least two cats froze to death and a few disappeared; whether they met the same fate or just moved on, I have no way of knowing for certain.
The cats living under the building require immediate attention. My greatest fear is they will become ill and it will be impossible to get them out, leaving them to die. There are "No Trespassing" signs up and I was told the owner of the property does not want them there. The building is about 12 feet from the street where an active train track separates the building from the road. During this Winter, four foot snowdrifts blocked their only entrance leaving them trapped inside. I had to grab my snow shovel from home and go back and dig them out. The cats came out and I was very relieved, but then later that same day the snowplow came by and buried them once again under a pile of snow. These cats are the most vulnerable where they are at and should be moved as soon as possible.
It's heartbreaking to watch these beautiful animals in such dire circumstances. Cautious as most of them are of people, they nuzzle and rub affectionately against each other. Several have shown signs of wanting to be friendly; vocalizing and allowing themselves to be briefly touched. It's an encouraging sign that these cats want to socialize with people. I've been told that there are people who have thrown rocks at the cats and have even gone as far as to try to hit them with their cars. Others who have tried to assist the cats have said that they were yelled at and threatened. I've experienced this behavior firsthand. Local businesses don't want them there, but they have no other place to go.
I have a large shed in my backyard that I want to convert into cat housing. I want to insulate it and provide heat for the Winter months, as well as providing ventilation to keep it cool in the Summer. I want to fence off as much of the land behind the shed as I can to provide them with a safe place to enjoy the outdoors. By keeping them close by it will be easier for me to feed and water them, to monitor their health, and to get them used to interacting with people. They will be cared for by people that genuinely love them and who want to provide them with a better life. Next, it is my intention is to obtain a 501(c)(3) certification. I've chosen "Easy Street Cats" for the non-profit organization's name, since the purpose is to allow these cats to have a carefree, happy life
But for me to achieve these goals, I need your help.
Your contributions will go towards much needed veterinary care, medications, and other medical necessities. After rehabilitation, we will attempt to find homes for the ones that can adjust to living with people again. Even if we can't find them adoptive families, these cats will always have a place to call home with us. Some of the funds will go towards re-purposing the outbuilding into a shelter for the animals (which includes insulation, bedding, flooring, lighting, heating, and windows) as well as fencing and posts for an outside run. Donations will also be used towards creating a food-bank to ensure that the cats will always receive healthy meals with crucial nutrients and keeping some in reserve for future veterinary care for the older cats.
Others view these cats as unwanted nuisances and are indifferent to their suffering. I see these cats for what they really are: pets that once experienced the warmth and care of people and through no fault of their own have been abandoned to survive as best as they can under some extremely difficult conditions. I can only hope that others will open their hearts to them and allow me the opportunity to rescue them from this dismal situation.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I greatly appreciate your donations or for sharing my GoFundMe with your network.
Fundraising team: Easy Street Cats (2)
Jeff Nichols
Organizer
Painesville, OH
Wanda Bobo Nichols
Team member