Ace Reporter BobbieSue here. I want to introduce you to a new feature Toby and Simon have agreed to let me do. On an occasional basis I will be reporting to you, our devoted readers, cat news from around the world! Or, maybe just in our own backyard!
I have a story for you today that comes from our local newspaper, The Virginian-Pilot about Cat Team 7!
It seems that in keeping with the longstanding naval tradition of cats on board ships, our local Naval Station Norfolk has become home to 100+ abandoned and feral cats and kittens.
Current DoD rules prohibit TNR back onto the Naval Base (a policy Cat Team 7 is working to change). A colony lives near the aircraft carrier piers and frequent a local track and picnic area. While the cats are not causing trouble for the ships, they are a threat to protected migratory birds and a public health risk due to rabies.
This kitten was found among the rocks.
Enter Cat Team 7 (sort of like the famous Seal Team 6, only with a public mission!). The Team is composed of Navy Base personnel, animal rescue volunteers and the Norfolk SPCA (a no-kill shelter) whose mission is to trap, spay/neuter, and find homes for the cats within the community. And, PetSmart Charities donated $79,000 toward this effort!
So far the team has rescued a number of cats, with five kittens going into foster homes and 2 cats going to live on the farm of a retired Navy Veteran.
If you are interested in helping Cat Team 7, please go to their crowd funding website HERE.
Email the Team at: catteam7norfolk@gmail.com
The original article was published HERE!
All photos by Jane Cowan/The Virginian-Pilot
I’ll be back next week with another story – this one is about a cat museum – with a twist!!!
Ace Reporter BobbieSue signing off!
Hug your cat today!!
Toby In Charge 