Helping the “forgotten ones”--feral cats

By Dori Gilbert, Best Friends Network

Henry Colucci and his wife, Louise, run Colucci’s Animal Trappers & Savers (CATS), Inc. which became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in December of 1998. But they have been helping animals in Las Vegas for a lot longer than that.

Starting back in 1963 Henry and Louise would trap/spay/neuter feral cats and, after releasing them, make sure that the cats were fed and watered daily.

Henry says “Our passion is directed at feral cats since these are the animals that are left behind the most in the unforgiving Las Vegas desert.”

Now that Henry and Louise are senior citizens, and with few volunteers to help, they dedicate themselves to helping other animal rescuers and organizations carry on their mission.

They call this their Pay it Forward Program: “Any animal rescue organization, foster animal family, or person providing for animals other than their own pets can contact us for free animal food and or kitty litter. All that is required is that you send us an email with your request and how you help animals.” They donate approximately 2-3 truckloads of animal food a week to those who request it.

In addition, Henry and Louise educate people about the importance of spaying/neutering their pets. They worked to get the Nevada State License Plate Bill SB54 (Spay/Neuter) passed. Portions of the license plate fees support spay and neuter programs in the Nevada County where the plate is purchased. For information on the Nevada Spay/Neuter license plate, click here.

Volunteers are needed for CATS, Inc. to help the growing feral cat population in Las Vegas. To volunteer, email: info @ catsinclv.org or call: 702-456-3081.

Henry and Louise’s goal is “Ultimately a Las Vegas that never has to put down another animal ever again.”

CATS, Inc. is one of the many rescue organizations that will have a booth at Pet-a-Palooza, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Star Nursery Fields at Sam Boyd Stadium. The event is a highlight of the 1st Annual Nevada Week for the Animals, April 5-13, 2008, a statewide celebration to build awareness and mobilize action on behalf of all animals in the Silver State and Lake Tahoe area.

CATS, Inc. will be accepting donations at their Pet-a-Palooza booth.
WISH LIST: Dry & Canned Cat Food, Cat Litter & Litter Pans, Small Cat Beds, Paper & Cloth Towels, Sheets & Blankets, Cat Toys, Scratching Posts, Dishwashing Liquid, Laundry Detergent, Bleach, Lemon Disinfectant, Cat Carriers, Traps & Cages, Items for Raffle, Gift Baskets, and Craft Sale Items.

What You Can Do:
Come to Pet-a-Palooza and meet Henry and Louise. Or visit the CATS, Inc. website to find out more about how you can help, www.catsinclv.org

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network