New Bedford Cat Sanctuary Seeks Donations for ‘Purse for Paws’ Event

Habitat for Cats, based in New Bedford, is now accepting donations for its upcoming Purse for Paws fundraising event planned for this fall.

How the Purse for Paws Fundraiser Works

Shopping will take on a new meaning as shoppers find deals on handbags, jewelry, and more, with proceeds from the event supporting homeless cats.

Habitat for Cats and the TNR Mission

The organization is one of the first in the area to begin helping cats through the trap-neuter-return (TNR) method. Today, Habitat for Cats not only helps control cat populations but also provides a lifelong home for otherwise homeless cats at their private sanctuary.

“There were about 90 cats there, so I was instantly in cat heaven,” Rebecca Pink said about one of her early experiences at the sanctuary. Pink has been a volunteer for Habitat for Cats since 2006.

Inside the Cat Sanctuary Experience

The private land is a safe place for cats that would likely not survive without support from volunteers. There are multiple types of hutches and shelters for the cats on the property, and a kitchen where food and medication are prepared, called the “Cattyshack.” While preparing food for so many cats sounds like a big job, it’s only one of the many tasks volunteers take on to keep the cats happy and healthy.

On the Habitat for Cats website, there’s a description of the sanctuary written by Barbara Moss, which describes turning onto a dirt-and-gravel driveway from a country road before arriving.

​“We walked up to a gate. And that’s when I saw them. Some 20 kitties with round, curious eyes and tails flying high were trotting toward us,” Moss wrote about her visit to the sanctuary in the early 2000s.
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Habitat for Cats began using the trap-neuter-return method in the 1990s. The method helps control feral cat populations. Cats are returned to their communities after receiving veterinary care and spaying or neutering, so they can no longer reproduce. In some cases, cats can’t be returned to where they were trapped. Whether due to medical issues or a lack of support from local residents, cats from the TNR program that need a safe place to live out their lives are relocated to the sanctuary.
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“These are not lap cats,” Pink said. “Some of them will never want to be touched by humans.”

How Volunteers Support the Cats

Every cat receives the same amount of love from the dedicated volunteers. Pink explained that there are many ways volunteers help, from repairing fences and feeding and cleaning to simply making sure the shy cats receive special treats. One of the more difficult aspects of caring for cats is providing end-of-life care, but as Pink explained, being there for the cats in whatever capacity they need is what matters most.

“I used to love sitting with the kitties and singing to them,” she said.

Pink’s current role within the organization focuses on fundraising and transportation rather than working in the sanctuary.

When asked what people can do to help feral cats in their neighborhoods, Pink said, “We like to call them community cats.” She said that communities can provide food and shelter for homeless cats. It’s important that they are spayed or neutered to help prevent more kittens from being born without homes.

People who want to help can also explore the various volunteer opportunities. Habitat for Cats is run entirely by volunteers, and there are many ways to help.

How You Can Donate and Get Involved

The upcoming Purse for Paws event is another way to support Habitat for Cats directly. Items can be donated leading up to the shopping event by bringing them to one of the four participating locations. Donations being accepted include jewelry, bags, scarves, and “gently-loved” purses.

While the shopping date has not been announced yet, Pink shared that the event has been successful in the past. For those who love to fill their arms with high-quality items being sold at bargain prices, there will be plenty of options, whether shopping for themselves or purchasing gifts for others.

To learn more about where to donate items, visit the Habitat for Cats website. The shopping event will be held at Westport United Congregational Church. The date will be updated once finalized, but donations are being accepted now at the locations listed on their website.

For Rebecca Pink and the other volunteers, working with cats is a rewarding and meaningful experience. While Habitat for Cats saves cats, Pink believes that other volunteers would agree with her that the cats do just as much for the people.

“The sanctuary was very healing for me,” she said. “Just watching the cats live in the moment made me realize how useless all my worrying was.”