Dozens of cats rescued from feral colony

LYNN – Sixty feral cats and kittens living at a feline shelter in Lynn are looking for volunteers to feed them.The Friends of Beverly Animals, the non-profit organization that oversees the so-called “cat colony” at the Lynn-Saugus line, needs people who can offer an hour a week or every other week. The friends group provides all food and medical treatment for the animals.Heidi Roberts, president of the group, said funds are raised annually through yard sales and dances to help spay or neuter the animals, and to provide medical care and food. “Our goal is to stabilize the colony to prevent further unwanted births,” she said.According to Roberts, the colony is tucked in a relatively remote, safe, private, fenced location. “With two people, feeding takes no more than an hour. In return, you get the satisfaction of helping these animals who are so dependent upon us,” she said.Roberts noted the Beverly group has been working to reduce the number of cats in Lynn for three years. “These are all Lynn cats. We go through up to six, 18-pound bags of Purina a week. When we first started, the kittens were dying of upper respiratory problems. But now they’re pretty well fed,” she said. “We had the spay wagon in once about two years ago but it’s expensive if the cats have to stay in a hospital overnight.”In winter, volunteers not only feed the cats daily but must cart in water because drinking supplies brought a day earlier are often frozen.”We have found homes for many of the kittens. It’s always easier with kittens,” said Roberts, citing the story of Tux, a female with a tuxedo-like fur pattern who lost an eye to infection. “I had to feed her through the night but now she’s fine.”Tux is up for adoption.Roberts offered to assist any Lynn residents interested in starting a local friends of animals organization. “We would help them set up a non-profit,” she said. “The colony we have is really something to see. All the cats live together in groups. They like being together. They watch out for each other,” she said.The Beverly organization, which held fund raisers such as the Funky Furball in May and the Strut Your Mutt Benefit Walk in June, is also offering animals for adoption through its PetFinder.com program.Anyone wanting to volunteer should contact Roberts at 978-927-4157 or email [email protected]. For more about the organization, go online to www.friendsofbeverlyanimals.org.