Happy Cat Sanctuary hosts grand opening for new facility

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Strathmore’s Happy Cat Sanctuary hosted the grand opening for its new location, Sept. 21, on 2nd Ave, inviting the community to explore the new facility. 

Barb Stefanich, co-founder of the sanctuary, explained the new larger facility allows the team to intake more cats at a time, as well as better accommodate the animals under their care.

“It is a big step forward for us, it allows us to have more of what we do in the same building. We can actually do intake and quarantine of some of the animals that we bring in as well as have them on display in our for-adoption rooms,” she said. “We still have many, many foster homes helping us out, but if we get an injured cat or a cat that has to have surgery, we have room now to keep the cat where it is easier for somebody with experience to care for it.”

Stefanich added the team had been discussing the size of the previous facility having been too small for their operations. Cat intake was being handled at a facility separate from the main shelter, resulting in volunteer time being too divided.

The new sanctuary is situated at 118 2 Ave, being in the space which used to be occupied by a chiropractic business. 

Strathmore Mayor Pat Fule explained though the town is no longer financially contributing to the sanctuary, they consider the service being provided to be invaluable in aiding to reduce and control stray and feral cat populations. 

“The Happy Cat Sanctuary has the staff there, and the volunteers who have done so much to help with the cat population in Strathmore. Years ago, we had a feral cat problem, and they have done such good work in helping people, bringing in strays or bringing in cats that could be adopted,” he said. “They have helped find homes for a lot of stray cats and it has done a great service for the Town of Strathmore. Our bylaw officers do not have to focus on that issue anymore.”

He added the town, though hearing about the move, was not involved with the process. The town will continue to publicly be in support of the sanctuary.

Stefanich explained the new facility is able to support up to 30 cats up for adoption at a time in house. Several animals are also on display for adoption at the Sunridge PetSmart, in Calgary.

A total of 16 cages are also present for intake cats in order to keep them isolated while they await medical treatments ranging from surgeries and treatments to vaccinations.

“The volunteers are all really happy about it and they were all finding the old facility really cramped as well,” said Stefanich. “This just opens up everything for everybody to make it a little easier and safer for the cats as well.”

Happy Cat Sanctuary is also always on the lookout for homes able to temporarily foster cats, as well as for more volunteers to join the team and help out at the facility. Information about how to foster and/or volunteer is available via their Facebook page and their website.