Springtime is kitten season.
That means that Jessica Myers, executive director of the Community Cats of Palm Coast, is a busy woman.
Between trapping reported homeless cats and taking in young kittens, her work is now aided by the organization having its own 1,500 square foot facility to take in felines.
A year ago, CCOPC secured its current intake location as well as 3,000 square feet next door for its thrift shop. But due to zoning issues unknown at the time of rental, the rescue was not able to take immediate residency. The space was zoned for warehouse use only and not for agricultural for animals and not for retail required for the thrift store.
The zoning issues were resolved in August 2021, but the delay also cost the cat rescue at least $75,000 in donor support that scurried away due to the uncertainty, Myers told Palm Coast Magazine.
“It was very discouraging,” she said. “A lot of the commitments we had went away when the time lapsed. We had to regroup. The floor plans we were planning on got thrown in the garbage.”
Those plans included custom-built enclosures commonly used at cat rescues. Instead, the kitties waiting for their forever homes are having to do so in dog kennels.
Myers takes the changes with a grain of salt. She’s thankful for the facility. Now the intake of felines can be done without having to involve the group’s foster homes. Previously, CCOPC had to bring incoming cats directly to the homes of those fostering cats. It also meant potentially bringing undiagnosed diseases to foster homes.
“Now we have a place to assess the health of new cats as well as a place for storing supplies and an office space for me,” Myers said.
Now she is busy spreading the word that the rescue is there and operating.
CCOPC — the only “cat-only” rescue in Flagler County — often picks up needs the Flagler Humane Society cannot handle, she said.
Earlier this year, CCOPC took in two pregnant mama cats. When the cats each gave birth, they became a social media sensation — at least in Palm Coast. More than 500 viewers tuned in to get daily updates and to participate in a fundraiser. For $3, one could guess when the first kitten from each litter would be born. Winners received a thrift store gift certificate and the opportunity to name the kitten.
In May, CCOPC will have its occupancy license to allow the public access to the facility.
Myers cannot wait.
“I am very excited to have the public here to see what we are doing,” she said.
Learn more about the Community Cats of Palm Coast online at www.communitycatspc.org.
— Amy Armstrong
