Our mission is to provide a safe, permanent sanctuary for homeless cats in the Florida Keys. Help keep this project going by donating today. Your money goes directly toward the protection and treatment of these desperate animals.
Q: What is Whiskers and Paws Forever?
A: Whiskers and Paws Forever of Monroe County is a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity comprised of volunteers dedicated to the protection and treatment of homeless cats in the Florida Keys.
Q: What's the problem?
A: The Florida Keys have a growing abundance of homeless (abandoned and unwanted) cats and dogs. Only two of the four area animal shelters along the 100 mile chain of islands are no-kill shelters, and all are filled to capacity. Existing Florida Keys homeless cat colonies are being disrupted by major construction. Feeding areas are not parking lots and the cats move closer to the highway. 2005's Hurricane Wilma, with its 5 foot storm surge, displaced many people from their badly damaged homes. As a result, many abandoned their pets. These cats have been breeding and now have several generations of unwanted, homeless cats.
Q: Why not let Florida Keys homeless cats live free in the wild?
A: Homeless cats can become pregnant at 4 months of age and can have 4 to 5 litters a year. Disease plagues homeless cats as they struggle to survive, feeding from dumpsters and trash. Dangerous traffic and abuse at the hands of humans are a constant threat.
Q: What's the solution Whiskers and Paws is seeking for the problem of homeless cats in the Florida Keys?
A: Whiskers and Paws intends to continue to provide a permanent home for homeless cats and dogs abandoned here in the Florida Keys. Whiskers and Paws spays/neuters all animals to prevent population growth and provides medical attention as needed. They are then transferred to the remote sanctuary location for the rest of their natural lives.
Q: Where is this Whiskers and Paws sanctuary and who will provide/maintain it?
A: Our sanctuary is located in Dalton Ga. It is our goal to build additional shelter as we are at capacity now. The necessary shelter protects the cats from cold and rain. At this time we have purchased a shipping container for shelter, we are finding that this is not enough room for the amount of cats we currently have. The number cats has reached 400 as well as 28 dogs. We are in great need of more dog kennels. Currently the sanctuary has employed a full time manager and has one volunteer.
Q: How much will this sanctuary cost?
A: The initial purchase of the shipping container was $4000.00 From there it needed $1000.00 in upgrades, windows, doors, and walls. We need to build more shelter as more cats and dogs come in. Currently we are spending $1000. per month on Food, Litter, Utilities, and Vet care. We are a 501(c)(3) organization, there could be significant tax breaks for those who could provide donations for the sanctuary.
Q: What can I do to help Whiskers and Paws?
A: Donate today and help raise awareness of our sanctuary project and our mission to provide for unwanted cats. Donations of non-monetary resources (food, land, volunteer work, etc.) are always welcome! Please contact us today with information on additional ways you would like to contribute to the protection of homeless cats in the Florida Keys.
Love cats? Download our free Whiskers and Paws wallpapers for your computer! Show your co-workers, family members and friends how much you love to help desperate cats by saving these beautiful original photographs to your desktop. Simply click an image below to open the full sized photo in a new browser window, then right-click on the new image you see and and select "Set as Background."
Homeless/Feral Cat Facts
Feral cats are descendents of cats who once had an owner, food and shelter.
Feral cats can become pregnant at 4 months and have litters 4-5 times a year!
Unless cared for,these cats suffer terribly, often dying needlessly from parasites, diseases, or abuse.
It costs approximately $50 to spay/neuter and vaccinate a homeless cat. Food is approximately $1 a day.
This sanctuary provides homeless cats and helps prevent the unnecessary killing of these animals while eliminating the rampant breeding and disease which plague homeless cats.
Existing animal shelters are operating at capacity.
Our mission is to continue provide a safe, permanent home for spayed/neutered/treated cats; a place where these cats will receive food and shelter for the rest of their natural lives.
You can help by donating to our cause by Paypal or by contacting us here.
Whiskers and Paws Forever of Monroe County is a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity founded in 2007 and dedicated to the preservation and well-being of homeless cats.
Donate today and make a difference!