Fundraiser allows the Capital City to contribute to Cat Haven’s community kitty

Even if they don’t live with—and especially if they don’t even like—cats, Event Chair Jennifer Anderson believes Baton Rougeans have a vested interest in supporting this Friday’s Cat Haven Cat Tales & Cocktails gala.

Capital City cat curmudgeons might be curious enough to prowl the group’s website to purchase a $25 Fishing for Felines raffle ticket to win a $2,400 Classic Jewelers pearl-and-diamond ring, or to bid on LSU/Ole Miss 49-yard line tickets, a vacation in Antigua, custom cutting boards, restaurant certificates or other online auction items.

But more than providing a fun evening for friends of felines—and great online deals—the gala has great value to the community. Its proceeds are dedicated to the maintenance and operation of the Cat Haven’s Adoption Center at 11130 N. Harrell’s Ferry Road.

And, now, those funds are needed more than ever. “Hurricane Isaac left a lot of animals homeless and stranded,” says Anderson. ”We need to rescue and adopt greater numbers.”

For 13 years, Cat Haven has endeavored to keep the community’s cats and kittens from being abandoned on the streets of the city or dumped at animal shelters. For example, the rescue helps Baton Rougeans whose cats have unexpected litters; who are moving and can’t take their cat with them; who have had a death in the family and need to find a new home for the relative’s cat.

And, so far, Baton Rouge’s oldest feline rescue has rehabilitated and rehomed more than 6,500 cats and provided spay/neuter assistance to the owners of an additional 5,000 cats.

In 2008, the non-profit realized the dream of opening a shelter. At first, adoptions hours were limited based on the volunteer staffing. Thanks largely due to the success of previous galas, Cat Haven recently extended its hours and hire two staff members.

Cat Haven’s Adoption Center is now open Monday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. In addition, volunteers staff off-site adoption events every Saturday from 10am to 4pm at PetSmart in Siegen Marketplace and PetSmart on Airline Highway.

“Since we opened the Adoption Center to the public six days a week, our adoption numbers have increased substantially,” says Wendy Decker, the organization’s founder and executive director. “We adopted out a total of 415 cats and kittens in 2011. Our 2012 adoption through August 31st totaled 457.” So, the group estimates adoption numbers to top 700 by year’s end.

“But, we can’t be complacent,” cautions Anderson. “If we don’t raise money at the gala, the doors could close partially or entirely. That could mean, next year, 700 cats [who would otherwise have come to Cat Haven] are homeless and on the street breeding. It’s unpleasant for the entire community. The more spaying/neutering we do and the more cats we adopt into homes, the better it is for our community.

“So, it’s important to impress upon people—whether they like cats or not—there’s a need for [our services in the community]. This event is an opportunity to contribute. We need that support.”

Cat Haven’s Cat Tales & Cocktails Fishing for Felines Gala takes place on September 28 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Lake House. Tickets are $100 per person or $900 per table of 10 and available by calling 636-2680 or visiting cathaven.org.

Auction items are available for online bids at http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/Browse.action?grouping=ALL&auctionId=168031081.

Click here for Creature Feature, which includes some of Cat Haven’s adorable adoptable felines.