The needs never diminish at The Cat Hut
Adoptions, funds always needed
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There is not a shortage of cats in Webster City. Just ask the friendly ladies at The Cat Hut,
the local adoption center which is part of Hamilton County Animal AdvoCATes. The mission of the AdvoCATes started as a Trap--Neute --Return organization to combat the cat overpopulation crisis in the area. According to their website, adoption was not part of the original plan. But the concern for the kittens of the cats that were trapped, made them realize there was more to be done and that the area shelters were too full to help.
What began as a handful of kitten adoptions out of a licensed foster home, shifted quickly and in 2022, The Cat Hut opened in Webster City. They still focus on the trap, neuter and release program, but they also adopt out dozens of cats every month. They can attest to the need.
Tricia Rupiper, is the Executive Director and CEO for The Cat Hut, and they see new cats and kittens continually. Each month,the number of cats and kittens that come into their building fluctuates.
"In the winter, we went from 35 to 60 cats," she said, "The highest number has been 74. This is every cat that comes in the door."
The majority are neutered and released, this program has always been their biggest focus. But the adoptions, which began as a solution to a problem, led to offering retail items, products needed for newly adopted cats or kittens. They now have items for sale uniquely for cat parents; cat supplies, toys, and other products needed for new cat owners.
"The number put up for adoption varies each month," she said. "The biggest month we have had for adoption was 28."
It's easy to see how that number grows, as she explained, "That's kitten season for you; one litter can be as large as seven cats."
And if a litter comes in, the mother comes in too.
Rupiper said that there isn't just one month that is slower than others. "Every year it varies. I haven't slowed down one bit."
The need in Webster City has been overwhelming, as they are unique in Hamilton County.
She explained that if they are out of cages, out of space, they have to say no, they cannot handle more kittens or cats.
"You have to have a big heart for sheltering," she said, "and you have to be prepared for loss.
This is not a job you can take lightly, it all comes from our heart."
Each day brings new challenges, new requests, and the staff has to manage it differently each day.
"There are a lot of grey areas," she said. "That is basically my job, there are a lot of moving parts. I try to put it into perspective and look at the whole picture. We are the only ones in our county that can do this type of stuff."
And there is a lot of expense to taking care of 50 to 75 cats. The cost of litter, food, medicine and shelter is all figured into the operation. And there is the cost of neutering the cats that are released in addition to the ones they put up for adoption. They are always looking for donations of either food, supplies, litter or money to help support The Cat Hut.
Rupiper says they have a great relationship with the Webster City Veterinary Clinic, and Rupiper says the community has also been very supportive of their program and services.
The Cat Hut has their biggest fundraiser in just a few short weeks, the Whiskers and Wine gala, which will be held on September 26 at the Briggs Woods Conference Center. With the Dueling Pianos as entertainment and a silent auction throughout the evening, the event raises a significant amount that helps the kittens and cats cared for by the staff at The Cat Hut.
The Cat Hut is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but open Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tickets are available for $50 and donations for the auction are still being accepted. For those who don't want to attend the fundraiser, they can make personal donations any time of the year.
It's a service to the community that we all benefit from and a place where cats and kittens can find their forever home.