Madison County Cats: Rainy Days

Thank you to Marcia Goodman, RedRover Responders volunteer and Communications Assistant, for keeping us updated on this deployment.

As RedRover Responders volunteers were completing the late afternoon feeding today of the nearly 700 cats at the emergency shelter, we were a little apprehensive. We’d already had pouring rain, and the threat of severe thunderstorms and a tornado watch were part of the weather forecast on this day that saw much destruction from tornadoes in the South.

At the same time, we were doing a happy dance that the cats were safe and dry. If they had not been rescued, these neglected cats would have been drenched in their outdoor setting and potentially in harm’s way. Instead, they are all safe, dry, fed and watered.

They are also increasingly coming out of their shells. The volunteers are still working very long hours just to provide care to all these cats, but we’ve been able to socialize a bit with the more social cats as we’re doing feedings and cleanings. Many of them greet us as we approach their cages. They rub against our legs, head butt us as we put their food down, and even climb onto us. Unfortunately, a number of the cats are sick, but now they’re seeing veterinarians and are being treated for their illnesses.

We work every day from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., but each day flies by, and it’s completely rewarding.