Amusing the Zillion

Coney Island Boardwalk Cats banner painted by Marie Roberts

Look for the Coney Island Boardwalk Cats Project on Pet Day at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, June 14, on the Boardwalk under this beautiful banner painted by Marie Roberts. Stop by their tent on the Boardwalk across from the Wonder Wheel to learn how this new group of volunteers is helping the feral and stray cat population of Coney Island.

The T of TNR: Coney Island Boardwalk Cats Project first rescue trapping. June 8, 2014 Photo © Tricia Vita

The Coney Island Boardwalk Cats Project is just winding up a very successful first week of TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) rescue trapping. Beginning last Sunday, 28 cats were trapped, with 20 sent to the ASPCA’s Glendale facility for spaying and neutering.

“Thank you to everyone who made this possible,” said Josie Marrero, founder of the Coney Island Boardwalk Cats Project. “Drivers, trappers, brain stormers, those very special ladies who helped get the clinic appointment, Wheels of Hope Guides. The cats need us all working together so they can have a chance at a better life! The work is just beginning. We have 15 clinic spots for July. Hopefully, that number will also go up to 24.”

This pregnant cat will be fostered and get veterinary care while she has her kittens. June 8, 2014. Photo © Tricia Vita

The majority of the cats have now been returned (the R in TNR) to their Boardwalk colonies after a few days of being cared for by CIBC volunteers in donated recovery space in Borough Park. The building, which is a garage, is in the process of being sold and a new recovery space is needed after July for the group to be able to continue their work.

A few cats are being kept for veterinary care for medical conditions ranging from an eye infection to polyps.

Coney Island Boardwalk Cats recovery space where the cats are cared for by volunteers for a few days before and after spay/neutering. The building is being sold and a new space is needed after July. June 10, 2014. Photo by Josie Marrero/Brooklyn Rescue Umbrella

The other eight cats of the 28 include kittens and a pregnant cat who will be fostered. The kittens will be socialized and put up for adoption.

Volunteers, cat food, supplies, donations for vet care of sick cats, and recovery space for future rescue trappings are needed.

This kitten requiring veterinary care for an eye infection will be fostered. June 8, 2014. Photo © Tricia Vita

CIBC is a program of Gravesend based non-profit Brooklyn Rescue Umbrella. Donations for Coney Island Boardwalk Cats Project may be made via Paypal on their page. You may get updates by following their Facebook page and twitter feed. If you’d like to volunteer, send a message via Facebook or e-mail ConeyIslandBoardwalkCats[AT]gmail[dot[com].

ASPCA’s Wheels of Hope picking up cats at Coney Island Boardwalk Cats recovery space for transport to Spay/neuter clinic. June 10, 2014. Photo by Josie Marrero/Brooklyn Rescue Umbrella

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