April 10. Two decades ago, Abigail Jennings contacted local authorities for help managing wild feral cats at her Lake Norman Realty office on West Catawba. When she was told animal control would trap and remove them—and they would be euthanized because they were feral—Jennings tried a different approach.
Every cat can be lucky
Jennings, Byrd, Salzman
She established partnerships with local vets, creating a successful trap-neuter-return-manage (TNRM) program that became Lake Norman Lucky Cat.
Robin Byrd, who became group’s executive director, and Jennings have focused consistently on the mission: Preventing unwanted kittens potentially in the tens of thousands.
In 2018, their service area took an across-state, geographical leap, when it was brought to their attention that Kinston did not have TNRM services and had an overwhelming population of what was then thought to be 150 feral cats living in abandoned properties in Lenoir County.
The Lucky Cat Program began networking and found a local leader, Kim Williams, willing to handle the operations in Kinston, while Byrd and Jennings handled the logistics and start-up work for their new outreach program. As a direct result of this community’s success, the Lucky Cat Program’s newest endeavor is to replicate the success of this program in other counties in need throughout NC in 2020 and over the next decade.
New Board of Directors
To propel the new efforts, the Lucky Cat has announced a new Board of Directors: Abigail Jennings, Nicole Kenny, Donna Weaver, Shelia Priest and Robin Salzman. Robin Byrd continues as executive director.
With many low-cost clinics not operating during the COVID-19 precautions, this year’s kitten season is anticipated to be much worse than usual.
Funds are needed for spay/neuter surgeries and assistance to low-income families in need of spay/neuter services.
Additional needs are foster homes for kittens. Young kittens removed from their feral mothers at younger ages, are much more likely to be socialized and adoptable.
Cat food can be dropped off or delivered to Lake Norman Realty at 20177 West Catawba Ave.
To make a donation, visit www.LuckyCats.org, if you are interested in being a foster caretaker for kittens, or for more information on their services, please contact them at info@luckycats.org.
