A cat sanctuary in Poquoson is a collaboration of volunteers who work endlessly to give all felines a humane life.
Poquoson Animal Welfare Sanctuary, (P.A.W.S.) cares for feral cats, semi-feral cats, friendly cats with behavior issues and cats with medical special needs.
“These are cats that would not make it in our shelter system,” said Kelly Holloway, a volunteer with the organization.
They also trap feral cats to neuter and spay them. They have fixed over 1,500 cats in the area to stop the over population, she said.
“One of the first things I noticed when I moved here was there were a lot of cats everywhere,” Holloway said.
Currently, there are more than 80 cats on three acres of land deeded to the 501(c)3 organization in 2013 by the late Barbara Holloway who was caring for stray cats on her own, said Holloway (no relation).
Although she was battling cancer Barbara trapped, neutered and returned many feral cats in the community. She kept records of all of the injured and abandoned friendly cats she rehabilitated and found homes for many of them, according to information provided.
At the same time Barbara was doing her work so was Holloway. The pair combined their efforts.
In addition to the cats at the shelter, volunteers foster cats who are rehabilitating from an injury or surgery. Foster families also care for adoptable cats and kittens.
Poquoson residents contact P.A.W.S. about lost and found cats. Often the group is able to help get them back home. They loan humane traps and give advice on ways to catch a lost cat.
P.A.W.S. is hosting Catwalk on The James on March 26, at Coastal Fermentory in Newport News. The event will have over 60 crafters and vendors, food trucks, ACME DJs of Virginia will spin tunes and more. Local pets will be onsite for adoption and over 60 raffle items. For more information 757-868-1379.
Visit the P.A.W.S. website at https://www.poquosonanimalwelfaresanctuary.com.
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