CORNER BROOK — Nicole Marsden has joined the effort to help save and control the local cat population.
If people know who Marsden is, it is likely from when she worked at a local veterinarian clinic. Or maybe it’s through her volunteering with the NL West SPCA.
It also could be because she has lent a hand to Scaredy Cat Rescue. Her dog grooming business has also gained her some notoriety.
Whatever the case may be, the Corner Brook woman is known for her love and affection for animals.
Marsden admits there was a time she would not have regarded herself as a cat lover — an animal lover, yes, but not necessarily felines.
While working at the vet clinic, she realized — like many people do, she says — she misunderstood cats. She didn’t think they were an affectionate, caring animal, but now says that is far from the truth.
Through her work with animals, she also realized just how big of a problem there is with cats in this area. While she said Scaredy Cat Rescue is doing its best to help the feral cat population, she is focusing her efforts on felines who need to be adopted.
The SPCA is limited in its capacity to take in all the cats, she said, so there is a need for more people to help out.
“At least if I am able to take a couple of them, that leaves the other ones more time before anything is done with them or decided,” she said. “It’s not a competition. We all do our own little part. I am hoping, in the long run, it is going to help the problem.”
Marsden formed Corner Brook Kitty Academy Rescue and Adoption out of her home about a month ago, and said she has already found homes for about 20 cats or kittens.
“I mostly rescue adoptable or domesticated cats and kittens from the local pound here in Corner Brook,” she said. “If people find a litter of kittens or (an) abandoned cat and contact me, sometimes I will take them or go trap them.”
Marsden advertises the felines she has available on her Facebook page and through Corner Brook classifieds. She uses all proceeds to spay, neuter, and vaccinate the animals.
Typically, Marsden does not set a fee for the cats, but asks for a donation to continue with her operation, often accepting food, litter or other items.
“I just want them to go in good homes,” she said. “It’s not about making anything off of it for me.”
Marsden can be reached at 638-9131.
