SANDPOINT — Thanks to a tremendous community response, Better Together Animal Alliance said hundreds of cats at three locations are getting the urgent help they need.

More than $9,000 was raised through a fundraising campaign, and supplies have also been donated to the Ponderay-based animal alliance.

“Since putting out the call for help, we have been overwhelmed by our community’s compassion and generosity in making sure these cats got the care they desperately needed,” said Mandy Evans, executive director of Better Together Animal Alliance.

Over the past week, BTAA officials have delivered food, checked on each cat’s health, provided vaccines and added spay and neuter surgeries to the schedule to help get the cats adoption-ready.

So far, BTAA has brought 34 cats into its care, with three now available for adoption.

“One of these cats, Charlotte, came from the Careywood location,” Evans said in a news release updating BTAA’s efforts. “She’s adjusting beautifully to her new surroundings and, despite showing signs of old frostbite, is healthy, affectionate and eager to find a loving home.”

Evans said BTAA officials are grateful for the community’s support.

“We can’t thank our community enough for all the support that has been given to help these cats in need,” she said. “From monetary and food donations, your kindness has made a huge difference.”

The discovery of nearly 250 kittens and cats in early to mid-October left the Ponderay-based animal alliance scrambling to provide support and care. The cases include a location in Careywood, where 25 animals were found; a Priest River location, where 100 were found; and a Sagle location, where another 100 were discovered.

Two of the situations involved properties where the homeowners had died, leaving the animals without food or water. The third case involved a similar situation, where a family member was battling a health issue.

Working closely with community members, BTAA has been providing food, vaccines and spay/neuter services to improve the lives of the cats and kittens, many of whom are domesticated, Evans said.

The alliance is also working with homeowners and residents in the three areas to care for the animals, as well as trap, neuter and release any feral cats.

As BTAA continues its efforts, Evans said donations of adult cat food are urgently needed to keep the animals healthy while long-term care plans are developed. Monetary donations are also needed to help cover the cost of vaccines, veterinary care and spay/neuter surgeries.

Donations of dry adult cat food can be dropped off at the alliance, 870 Kootenai Cutoff Road in Ponderay, or made through Walmart, North 40, Petco or the BTAA Chewy wishlist.

Monetary donations can be made online at mightycause.com/story/k1h8lf or by calling 208-265-7297, ext. 100, to give directly toward the cats’ care.

“Every bag of food, every dollar, every share makes a difference,” Evans said.

For those looking for a “fur-ever” friend, Evans and Dig Chrismer, BTAA’s manager of storytelling and public relations, encouraged them to visit the shelter in person or online.

Information: bettertogetheranimalalliance.org

    A few of the kittens which have made their way to the Better Together Animal Alliance's Ponderay facility after a trio of cat overpopulation cases in Bonner County were discovered recently.
  

    A few of the kittens which have made their way to the Better Together Animal Alliance's Ponderay facility after a trio of cat overpopulation cases in Bonner County were discovered recently.