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A woman's love of animals has created a special shelter for stray cats that offers warmth and comfort as winter approaches. Vinessa Campbell's not-for-profit society, Cape Breton Animal Band-Aid Sanctuary, helps abandoned and abused animals. These shelters are designed to keep feral cats warm and safe. It gives cats that are feeders or caretakers the opportunity to protect the colonies from the elements. Feral cats are the offspring of domestic cats who have never lived with humans. Often the product of human neglect, these cats live in colonies outdoors, wherever they can find food and shelter. "A feral humane shelter is not new, I think the design of this shelter in particular is new. Feral cats have been around a hundred years, but as long as they have food and shelter, then can actually have a very luxurious life in these condos." The recyclable wooden shelter can hold up to 10 cats. They sleep on top of each other on a bed of straw for warmth. Campbell said so far they have sold 17 shelters, or condos that are designed for feline colonies scatted around the regional municipality. The condos are insulated. It allows the animal's body warmth to reflect back to the animal. The shelters help not only stray cats, but the people who build them. The cat condos are built by people in Pathways to Employment. The community organization helps people with mental illnesses develop job skills. Rob Fay suffered a brain injury several years ago. He said constructing the shelter not only gives wild cats a home, but it helps him. "It helps me with my sight because I'm legally blind," said Fay. "It helps me show up for work every day, where I was sitting in a hospital for two years, so it's just starting my life over again and it has given me a chance to do that. It makes me feel good because they're not out there freezing to death, like they [cats] actually have a home to live in." Campbell said the shelters would even make a good holiday gift for someone who wants to care for the cats. "This time of year if you have in your heart please give and please supply a shelter to someone that you know who is feeding feral animals if that person is unable to do it themselves."Last Updated: Thursday, December 2, 2010 | 5:31 PM AT
CBC News
