Boy Scouts build homes for feral cats

CLEVELAND -- A Boy Scout on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout has built and donated five houses for stray cats. The Cleveland Animal Protective League will give the houses to people caring for wild, outdoor cats.

Chris Vogt chose to help some of the "most misunderstood, deserving beings in our community; feral cats," said APL director Sharon Harvey. "There are tens of thousands of wild cats in the Cleveland area, and as the winter weather arrives many of these animals will be desperate for shelter."

Chris built the shelters with assistance from five other scouts from Troop 411 of Sharon Center in Medina County, and his father, veterinarian James Vogt.

Harvey said, "Lending a helping hand to cats who can't be socialized and will never know the pleasure of a lap or the stroke of a human hand is surely a selfless and model act of citizenship for all of us."

The elevated wooden houses have an entrance on one side that will allow cats to go around an interior corner to a compartment where body heat will help them survive the winter. Cedar chips or straw can be added to increase their comfort. The shelters have a removable top so they can be cleaned.

Anyone who would like to help feral cats in their neighborhood and stop them from breeding is asked to call the APL for guidance. Wild cats can be humanely trapped (pdf), vaccinated and neutered for $40, and returned to their familiar surroundings. Contact Marta Anderson at 216-771-4616, Ext. 124.

Other nonprofit groups helping wild cats: Kelley's Kritters , Public Animal Welfare Society, Valley Save A Pet, Geauga Humane Society, Save Ohio Strays, Humane Society of Greater Akron, Love-A-Stray of Avon.

Cleveland APLRamona is tame and needs a home.

Cleveland APLSnow is tame and needs a home.