As much as we all love cats, we also know that in many parts of the country (and the world), the problem of stray, feral, and unwanted cats is something of an epidemic. Those who work tirelessly, day in, day out to help control and care for these free-roaming felines do so without asking for recognition or awards, and they do it despite their efforts sometimes feeling like a tiny drop in the vast ocean that is the stray cat population. Last week, we had the pleasure of meeting with one of those unsung heroes from the place she calls work – and home – the Coastal Cats & Critters Sanctuary in South Alabama.

Paisley Shook has always been an animal lover, and when the opportunity came up to join the team of 15 permanent staff and 30 volunteers at Coastal Cats & Critters, she jumped at the chance. Although she was devastated when she missed out on the position the first time around, she wasn’t going to let it dampen her enthusiasm, and the following year, she landed her dream job. Living onsite at Coastal Cats & Critters not only means that she is always there in case a problem arises, she also gets to hang out with her adorable Border Collie, spend time with the cats that call the sanctuary home, and befriend the various critters that have also found themselves in need of long-term accommodation. That’s right, in addition to more than 300 cats, there is an array of horses, cattle, goats, chickens, turkeys, and never a dull moment. But, Paisley managed to carve out some time to join Nicole & Dr. Karyn for an episode of our Chatty Catty’s podcast, and tell us a bit more about the work being done down in Baldwin County, Alabama.

From Cats to Critters

The Coastal Cat Sanctuary came into existence when a stray cat colony that had been living behind a restaurant needed to be relocated. Having already been TNRed (trap-neuter-return), this stable colony formed the small foundation on which a much greater project would be built. Fast forward four years and the sanctuary is now home to around 350 cats, surrounded by cat and predator-proof fencing with various outdoor enclosures, heated & air conditioned barns, indoor facilities for cats needing closer monitoring, separate acclimation pens for new arrivals, as well as a dedicated space for cats with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Over time, other animals in need joined the ever-growing feline population, and so the cat sanctuary became a cats & critters sanctuary.

While the ideal scenario would be to find loving homes for every cat that finds themselves in an animal shelter or rescue, there are those that, through no fault of their own, are simply not suited to a domestic lifestyle. Rather than living out their days in small pens or being euthanized due to overpopulation, sanctuaries like Coastal Cats & Critters are providing a permanent home where these cats are free to spend as much or as little time in contact with other cats and humans as they please. The 30 active volunteers and four permanent staff are there to provide each cat with the food, healthcare, and companionship they need, round the clock, while visitors to the sanctuary are able to visit with the feline residents and provide enrichment and socialization. The sanctuary also helps facilitate the rehoming of around five cats per month – more during kitten season – with the decision ultimately lying with the cat in question. If the cat says no, they don’t have to go.

Paisley told us about one cat in particular whose split personality has resulted in her being labelled as unsuitable for rehoming. Willow has been a firm favorite amongst staff and visitors, with her cheeky and affectionate antics, leading her to be adopted twice. However, whenever she has gone to a new home, her ‘Dr Jekyll’ personality emerges, and her adoptive parents have reluctantly had to bring her back. Some cats simply aren’t suited to the housecat life!

In addition to providing permanent accommodation and care for cats (and critters), the sanctuary also participates in a number of outreach programs aimed at supporting the local community, providing education on cat care and the importance of spaying/neutering, as well as being a place where locals and holidaymakers come to relax and spend time in the calming presence of cats. 

One of the challenges faced by Paisley and the team is the apparent unwillingness of Southern cat owners to ask for or accept help. Despite offering their services in taking in cats and assisting those in need to look after their own, Paisley is often frustrated to find that cats are still being dumped nearby rather than surrendered properly. Another way in which the cat sanctuary is supporting their local community is by stocking pet food pantries where people can access free food for their pets. Ultimately, the best place for a cat to be is with their family, and Paisley and the team would prefer to prevent feline abandonment where possible, rather than deal with the consequences, but most importantly, wants to ensure that people know how and where to find help. 

Upcoming Events

Want to get involved? April is going to be a busy month for Paisley and the team at Coastal Cats & Critters, and you can join in the fun.

April 4: Paws in the Pasture – Springtime Critter Eggstravaganza

Join in the fun at the sanctuary for the annual Easter egg hunt! Meet the Easter Bunny, visit with the cats, and see chickens, rabbits, goats, and other farmyard friends. Get your tickets HERE.

April 28: Elberta German Sausage Festival

Come and see the team at their stand at the Elberta German Sausage Festival.

April 28-29: Coastal Cats & Critters Annual Yard Sale

The sanctuary’s biggest fundraising event of the year. Check out their Facebook page for updates.  

Movies & Meows

From the end of April, the sanctuary will be hosting monthly cat-themed movie nights where you can chill out and watch a film surrounded by feral felines!

These Heroes Need Your Help

The heroes at Coastal Cats & Critters couldn’t do what they do without the generous support of people like you. To make a donation and stay up to date with all the latest news and events:

• visit the website 
• check out their linktree
• follow them on Facebook and Instagram
• and spend some time with them on TikTok

Did You Know?