Whiskers and Wine fundraiser declared “very successful”
Four months of operations earned by annual event
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Sunshine Duffy, Development Director for The Cat Hut, the storefront shelter of Hamilton County Animal AdvoCATes in Webster City, called the organization's fourth annual Wine and Whiskers fundraiser, "very successful." This year's event, on September 26 at Briggs Woods Conference Center, featured dueling pianos, which Duffy said "everyone enjoyed, probably because it's something we don't have in our area."
Results of the fundraiser have been tallied, showing 156 people attended, paying $50 per person, surpassing the previous record of 120 attendees. 86 items were auctioned off; raising more funds. $23,540.48 was raised vs $15,000 last year. The annual fundraiser has been an important source of money for Cat Hut, which gets no government funding.
Although gratified, both Duffy and Cat Hut Manager Tricia Rupiper, explained the proceeds will cover costs of running the Cat Hut for only about four months. So we asked, where does the money go?
First, there's the monthly veterinarian bill, which covers spaying and neutering cats. Along with rescue and adoption, spaying and neutering, which attempts to control the over-population of cats, is at the heart of Cat Hut's mission.
Whether spaying females, or neutering males, a single procedure costs $115, which includes anesthesia, pre-surgery cleaning and preparations, suturing, and post-operative pain medication. A check of fees paid for similar services across Iowa, revealed costs ranging from a low of about $50 at the non-profit Iowa Humane Alliance in Cedar Rapids, to nearly $300 in private veterinary practices in the Des Moines suburbs.
Duffy said the timely, professional services provided by Webster City Veterinary Clinic are a great value to both The Cat Hut and those who ultimately adopt the cats. She called them "a critical partner" in Cat Hut's mission. In September, 2026, Cat Hut paid $5,614.75 for vet care, according to Duffy.
Cat Hut services extend beyond spay and neuter. To further control the number of unwanted and unhoused cats in Hamilton County, it runs a trap, neuter and return program, reaching what Rupiper calls "farm cats and community cats."
The Cat Hut doesn't provide lodging for these cats. Duffy:
"We don't take in strays," Duffy said, "That would compromise the health and safety of cats already here that we know are healthy." Those healthy, ready-to-adopt cats are those you see when you visit the Cat Hut.
But the former Pizza Hut is at capacity, Rupiper says, "we have 15 cats in foster homes right now, generous people who care for them until they find a permanent home."
As well, Cat Hut isn't a 24/7 operation. "We aren't staffed or budgeted for that," Rupiper adds.
Rupiper said that in today's economy, cat owners have a frequent concern.
"A comment we hear all the time is, 'I can't afford to own my pet any more,'" she said. "That's where we can help, with a bag of food; a bag of litter. It makes a difference."
While at any given time, a casual visitor might see 20 cats frolicking in the front room at the Cat Hut, there are others in the back room who, says Rupiper, "aren't ready to socialize with others."
Anyone can adopt a cat for $125 at Cat Hut. So, why do that when a friend or neighbor might give you a kitten?
"We don't make money at this," says Duffy.
"A free kitten can cost you $500," notes Duffy. "If you do the right things for that cat; spay or neuter, rabies and distemper shots, flea, tick and ear mite prevention, and a micro-chip, you'll pay lots more than $125."
Is there room at your home for a cat? Or, are you convinced Cat Hut deserves your support?
The Cat Hut is located at 1118 Second St. Their open hours are Tuesday-Friday 1-5 p.m., and Saturday 10-2. The phone number for The Cat Hut is 515-524-6100. And donations are accepted year-round.