Senior cats find hope as sanctuary plans take shape
By Karen Wynne
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MARION, North Carolina (WLOS) — At nearly nineteen years young, Siobhan, a black cat with yellow eyes and a loud meow, is living her best life, fostered by Brett and Christine McIntire.
The couple lives in a spacious multi-level home near Downtown Asheville, where Siobhan, still playful, has her own room and gets walked on a leash outside. But, often her favorite place is on one of the McIntires’ laps.
“She’s very social. She’s not afraid of strangers. She’s very playful,” Christine said, petting Siobhan’s shiny black coat.
Brett says this cat is perfect for someone who wants a more mellow cat.
“Maybe you don’t want crazy kittens running around your house. She’s super playful, but also spends a lot of time relaxing and sleeping during the day,” Brett said.
Nancy Gavin, President of foster-based rescue Laps and Naps Home for Senior Cats, says many senior felines end up much less fortunate than Siobhan, often becoming homeless after an elderly owner passes away.
Gavin says that the cases in which the cats shut down are critical.
“Where, if you don’t take them in right away, they end up in a shelter, or they’ll take them to a vet to be euthanized, Gavin said.
To give more senior cats happy golden years, Laps and Naps Home for Senior Cats plans to build a sanctuary on five acres of land in Marion. The Marler Road property is now a horse farm.
As Nancy Gavin was driving from the McIntires’ home in Asheville to the Marion property, she received two calls, which she says underscore why it’s so important to build the senior cat sanctuary soon.
“Just on the ride over here, I have received two phone calls, and in both cases, a family member died, leaving behind two cats,” said Gavin, knowing she will need to get those four cats fostered immediately.
Laps and Naps is trying to raise a million dollars for the planned 37 square foot facility and a small residence for a vet tech to be on site 24/7. Gavin says having a place where homeless senior cats can go immediately is crucial.
“We don’t know if they’re carrying communicable diseases, and we’re asking people to take them directly into their homes, where they may have other cats,” Gavin said.
The planned facility also has space for community involvement.
Thompson adds that the horses will also remain on the property.
The McIntires say such a facility will likely draw more fosters.
“People would have the freedom to come out and look at the cat, spend some time with the cat, and get to know it,” says Christine.
Nancy Gavin says Laps and Naps Home for Senior Cats is seeking corporate sponsors and individuals, adding that no donation is too small.
“We need people who just believe in our vision,” Gavin said.
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