Cat lovers come to Girard for fundraiser
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GIRARD – Cat lovers gathered this weekend in Girard as Small Worlds New Beginnings hosted its first charity cat show and raised funds to help cats be safe, be spayed and neutered, and get adopted.
The cats were showcased at the Girard city gym with some dressed up for a costume contest.
Mike Scoville, co-owner of Small Worlds New Beginnings, said he and co-owner Veronica Caruso wanted to host a fundraiser to help get cats spayed and neutered.
“We focus on spay and neuter awareness and also cats being healthy,” he said.
Scoville said funds also will help with electric and heating bills for the center for the winter months. He said different organizations that work to get homes for cats participated in the fundraiser.
“We hope those here today will have a better understanding or more awareness on care for cats. There are often reports of abuse of cats and cats that come into someone’s home and have kittens. Those kittens should be moved when they are at least two weeks old after they get milk from the mother cat. If you move them too quickly, they will die. We discuss health and safety for the cats,” Scoville said.
He said it is important people are aware of rabies and other illnesses cats can get. Scoville said there also was a focus on adoption and awareness of the cats.
He said other area shelters were able to showcase the cats they have available.
Money raised at the event specifically went to neuter services at Small Worlds New Beginnings Cat Shelter.
Sarah Edwards of Girard brought her cat Garfield to the event.
“This is really cool. I have never been to one of these before and this is the first time I have brought Garfield for a contest. The judges looked him over and asked me questions. They judge you based off your cat and your answers,” she said.
Paul Gustovich of Niles attended the event and liked how there were different breeds of cats while also looking over crafts and baked goods to help raise funds.
“This is a unique fundraising event. I had a lot of fun,” he said.
Joanna Iaderosa of Canfield brought her cat Armani so the 10-month old cat – a Seal Lynx Bicolor Ragdoll cat – would get used to being at cat shows and around many people.
“Everyone has asked me about the cat and what kind he is,” she said.
Kaitlyn Mondak of Salem brought Coraline who is available for adoption at the Columbiana County Humane Society. The overall winner of Sunday's show went to Coraline, a domestic short-hair. Coraline received a first-place ribbon.
“Events like this help get the word out of cats we have available. People get to know each other and have more connections. Coraline is a super friendly cat and very outgoing and likes it when people hold her. She loves all of the attention,” Mondak said.
Pat Strock of Southington, who was among the judges, said the judges were given a list of different categories such as best attitude, overall fitness of the cat and costume. She said there were different categories, including one for the longest whiskers.