Teena in Toronto: Cat Shelter Building Workshop, Toronto Street Cats, Toronto, ON

Toronto Street Cats started their cat shelter building workshops last month for the season. The workshops are held throughout the fall and winter season in the garage of the Toronto Humane Society.

It's my third year volunteering with 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 ... we had to complete the COVID screening questionnaire and we were all socially distanced and required to wear masks.

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 and you can buy a feeding station. You just have to register in advance to schedule a time slot to show up and Carol takes care of you.

I set up across from my pal, Darlene.

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.