RappCats, a nonprofit no-kill cat shelter located in Flint Hill, Virginia, proudly marks its 10th anniversary of rescuing and rehoming cats. With a motto of “You have to think like a cat,” shelter manager Lesley Jenkins emphasizes the unique challenges and rewards of her work, particularly in trapping stray cats—a critical aspect of managing the local feline population.
Jenkins, who has worked tirelessly to control the number of stray cats in Rappahannock County, notes that misconceptions surrounding the importance of spaying and neutering, along with high costs associated with these procedures, contribute to the rising stray cat population. “It’s not easy, trapping, but it’s rewarding,” she remarked, reflecting on the intricate strategies involved in her work, such as the careful positioning of food trays and minimizing noise to avoid startling the cats. Last year alone, Jenkins trapped approximately 160 cats, with the largest colony containing 80.
Among the memorable rescues is Oreo, a black-and-white cat left behind after a house fire in Woodville in 2020. Jenkins successfully trapped Oreo after a dedicated team of volunteers struggled to catch him. “It was amazing to see, because that one particular cat was the most shy and timid one out of the bunch,” she shared.
Due to its limited resources and space, RappCats cannot accept every stray cat that comes its way. Executive Director Holly Glenn explained that the shelter often has a waiting list for individuals who have been feeding stray cats but cannot take them into their homes. RappCats’ adoption rate has grown by 10% over the past five years, attributed in part to its robust social media presence and dedicated volunteer efforts.
In 2023, RappCats housed 111 cats, successfully adopting out 108 of them, resulting in an impressive 98% adoption rate. This success stands in contrast to the 88% adoption rate achieved in 2019, when 66 cats passed through the shelter. Former Executive Director Pat Snyder, who has been involved since RappCats’ inception in 2007, credits the organization’s growth to the foresight of its founders and the effective leadership of individuals like Holly Glenn, who have embraced digital fundraising strategies.
The shelter relies entirely on grants and private donations for funding, with the annual “Give Local Piedmont” campaign being a significant source of revenue. This year, RappCats raised nearly $12,000 from the event, illustrating the impact of their online fundraising initiatives.
Jenkins is the shelter’s sole paid employee, overseeing daily operations alongside a team of about a dozen volunteers who assist with feeding and cleaning. She acknowledges the invaluable role of volunteers, stating, “Volunteers are like gold.” Their support is crucial for maintaining the shelter’s day-to-day activities.
One remarkable story of resilience involves Lulu, a tuxedo cat rescued by RappCats last year. Suffering from severe health issues, Lulu required extensive medical care, prompting Jenkins to sleep in a small room at the shelter for two weeks to monitor her post-surgery recovery. Thanks to social media outreach by Deb Moore, RappCats’ unofficial social media manager, funds were quickly raised for Lulu’s medical needs. “Twitter loved Lulu, and so we knew that we could get a good foundation of donations from them,” Moore explained. Ultimately, Lulu found her forever home with a couple from New Hampshire who saw her story online.
Looking to the future, RappCats aims to increase its volunteer base and secure a long-term lease for its facility. As the shelter continues to grow, Glenn acknowledges the complexities of expansion but emphasizes the need for sustained funding and support. “Without committed long-term funding, it doesn’t seem prudent to me to expand our mission,” she stated, highlighting the challenges of increasing operational costs.
With its strong community presence and a decade of dedicated service, RappCats remains committed to its mission of rescuing and providing a second chance for cats in need, transforming not only their lives but also the lives of those who adopt them.
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