In this segment, we visit the Cat Clinic of Chattanooga to meet the kitties and Dr. Marcia Toumayan, the clinic's founder. We also hear about The Art’s Meow, a fundraiser featuring cat-themed artwork.
From a press release:
“The Art’s Meow: 3rd Annual Celebration of Cats,” a fund-raising and educational event, is Sunday, Oct. 11, noon to 4 p.m., at Uptown Art, 115 Frazier Ave.
The free event will feature regional artists displaying feline-themed works for sale, with all proceeds going to help pay for a cat’s care whose owners cannot afford it and for low-cost spays and neuters for feral cats. The funds will be used exclusively for these purposes. Community, or feral, cats are felines that live on their own in urban areas.
The Alice Fund, a nonprofit organization to help pay for a cat’s care when the owners are unable to pay, will be partial beneficiary and Wally’s Friends will also receive a portion for the feral cat spays/neuters.
“By creating the Alice Fund, which is named for a feral cat, we are able to help owners take care of their cats,” said Dr. Marcia Toumayan, veterinarian and owner of the Chattanooga Cat Clinic.
Eileen Price, founder of Wally’s Friends, which provides low-cost spays and neuters, said, “We want to help the community learn about feral cats and how to best serve their needs.”
A painting party hosted by Uptown Art owners Rona Hutchison and Kasie Lindley will follow the Arts Meow event. Cost is $35 for the painting party and $10 of that will go to feral cat spays and neuters. “It is a wonderful way to open our gallery and support a good cause,” Rona said. During the painting party Rona and Kasie will help attendees with step-by-step instructions to complete a special painting of a modernistic cat. No talent is required – just a sense of whimsy.
Education booths at the event will provide literature and other helpful information about feral cats and the people who work to help them. There are a number of managed colonies in and around Chattanooga.
“Not everyone understands that these feral outdoor cats can live relatively comfortable lives when managed properly,” Eileen said.
The Cat Clinic will also celebrate its 7th birthday at the event. The Cat Clinic supports low-cost spay and neuters by providing them for various shelters and clinics in the area.
“Feral cats and their management are misunderstood by many,” Dr. Toumayan, said. “We believe that trapping, neutering and releasing community cats is the humane way to deal with them and provide them the best quality of life.”
Zoetis Animal Health will donate ice cream for the event.
What: The Arts Meow to benefit area cats
When: Sunday, Oct. 11, from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Uptown Art, 115 Frazier Ave. Painting party immediately afterward