CARMA Colchester moves to new location
The Colchester chapter of CARMA Cat Rescue has moved up in the world, literally.
The group recently relocated from a basement in a downtown building to ground floor space in the Truro Industrial Park.
“We’d outgrown the other spot and it was dark and crowded,” said Patsy Forrest Oxner, president of the chapter. “This is a much healthier environment, with natural light and more space.”
The new environment is also easier to reach. The former location had to be accessed by going down a narrow stairway, which was especially difficult when carrying cats in crates.
A generous supporter paid the cost of a moving truck and everything went into the new site on Jan. 22. Volunteers were then busy sorting things and setting up cages for cats.
Colchester CARMA (formerly Wayward Cats) was founded to help reduce the numbers of unowned, freeroaming cats by managing a trap, neuter and return (TNR) program. CARMA returns cats to areas where someone is willing to feed them and often helps supply food. Barn homes are sought for feral cats who cannot be returned to the area where they were trapped.
Cats who are not true ferals, and kittens, are placed into an adoption program.
All cats receive veterinary care.
CARMA also works to educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering cats.
Volunteers make outdoor cat shelters, using polystyrene boxes and straw, and provide these at no cost to those with feral cats around their homes. Although many were given out at the beginning of the winter, there are still a few available and anyone who needs one is encouraged to contact the group.
“We hope to get an outdoor shed we can store some of our things in,” said Forrest Oxner. “With things like the shelters, and donations for our yard sale in the summer, our indoor space can get crowded.”
Along with yard sales, CARMA raises funds through plant sales, Spots for Strays online fundraising (https://www.facebook.com/ groups/446267849773461/ ) and other efforts. Donations of dry and tinned food, as well as kitty litter, are helpful. Monetary donations are valuable to help with operating costs and veterinary treatment. They can be made through CARMA’s account at Truro Veterinary Hospital or by contacting the group.
People can also donate some of their time.
“Volunteers are always welcome,” said Forrest
Oxner. “There’s lots of hands-on work with trapping, fostering and working at fundraisers.”
More information can be found online at https://www. facebook.com/Waywardcatssociety . CARMA can be contacted through email at colchestercarma@gmail.com or by phone at 902-957-8677.