CENTER POINT, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — After the storms that hit Thursday night, a local rescue was in need of some help.
“It was really overwhelming to us at first, we were very grateful for it, but we were confused as to where it was all coming from,” Rebecca Stevenson said.
What started with a Facebook post from Pet Pals TV, ended with freezers full of meat for hundreds of exotic cats. When the storm hit, thousands of residents lost power including the feline rescue center in Center Point, Indiana. Those who could not keep their freezer food because of lost power, didn’t want it to go to waste.
Founder Joe Taft said he was shocked when he saw everyone pulling in.
“We were really surprised by the number of people who started arriving with freezer meat. We had lines of cars for 2 and a half days,” Taft said.
The Exotic Feline Rescue has over one hundred cats and six foxes.
Head Keeper Rebecca Stevenson said it’s important to have a lot of meat to feed the animals.
“Every cat is different. We probably feed currently with this heat anywhere from 5 to 8 pounds right now,” Stevenson said.
With the weather changing, that number can change drastically. All of the animals at the center combined eat around a thousand pounds of meat a day.
Stevenson said she could tell how excited the animals were to have a variety of meat rather than what they are used to getting.
“I think the cats are pretty happy because you know like I said they don’t always see a wide variety. We try to give them as much variety as we can, but we don’t always have it,” Stevenson said.
Founder Taft has had the Exotic Feline Rescue since 1991. He said it’s been amazing watching the community come and support the animals as much as he does.
“It’s very rewarding first that we get to spend our time with these animals because they’re amazing creatures. And it’s a wonderful experience for us,” Taft said.
The rescue is currently out of freezer space, but they are taking cash donations. You can donate in person or visit their website.
