Cat Shelter Building Workshop, Toronto Street Cats, Toronto, ON

Toronto Street Cats started their cat shelter building workshops this month for the season.  I missed the first ones but attended today's and have signed up for the ones in December.  The workshops are held throughout the fall and winter season in the garage of the Toronto Humane Society.

It's my third year doing them ... it's so nice helping the kitties in Toronto keep warm and dry during the cold winter.

Our mission: improve the lives of Toronto’s homeless cats by offering spay/neuter services, free for feral cats, and building overwintering shelters. We are also working to increase public awareness about Toronto’s homeless cat population and the importance of spay/neuter and trap/neuter/return (TNR). 

We are part of the Toronto Feral Cat Coalition, working together to implement strategic TNR programs to sterilize Toronto’s feral cats, decrease shelter intake and reduce euthanasia rates.

With COVID, things have changed drastically.  Instead of having 40+ volunteers, there can only be 10 (as per the province's mandate).  There are lots of strict protocols to follow and Carol, the coordinator, ensured we did ... there were lots of documents to read and agree to and we were all socially distanced and required to wear masks.

My pal, Darlene, was there too.  I had seen Darlene since before COVID so it was great to catch up!

Thom cut the tubing for the entrance ways, cut the Styrofoam for insulated walls and drilled holes into the bins after the insulated walls had been taped inside.

We taped the insulated walls together in the bins and then taped the tubing entrances.

Once completed, straw is put inside and a lid is put on top.

Now they are ready to be sold.

In addition to selling the shelters (they are available to caretakers and colonies for $15 and refurbished ones are $5), Toronto Street Cats also provides free straw to replenish existing shelters.  You just have to register in advance to schedule a time slot to show up and Carol takes care of you.