The COVID-19 pandemic has led to both challenges and opportunities for Orillia’s no-kill cat shelter.
With many people self-isolating, more cats from the Comfie Cat Shelter are being fostered as they await adoption. However, with fundraisers being cancelled due to the pandemic, “the money’s really going quickly,” said manager and founder Barbara Ellen MacLeod.
So far this year, the shelter has taken in almost 200 cats. It took in 319 in all of 2019.
“We need financial donations,” MacLeod said. “Our cats still have to be fixed and given their medication.”
Thirty cats were taken to the shelter in the last month, including six pregnant felines that birthed about five kittens each.
The shelter does not receive funding from any level of government. MacLeod is hoping the province makes some money available for non-profit shelters like hers during the pandemic.
She said she has spoken with staff at Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop’s office to see if anything will be available and is awaiting more information.
The Comfie Cat Shelter is closed to the public, but the door to the front room is unlocked in an effort to prevent cats from being dropped off and left out in the cold.
Individuals and businesses in the community have been stepping up to donate cat food, but money is the shelter’s greatest need right now.
“The people of Orillia have been very helpful,” MacLeod said. “We really appreciate the support we’re getting.”
Those who want to donate can call the shelter at 705-326-1545.
