Winky Cats hosted its Purr-Fect Pairs adoption event at PetSmart in Mentor, Ohio, on February 14, 2024, inviting pet lovers to find their perfect feline companion this Valentine’s Day. The nonprofit organization, dedicated to improving the lives of cats in Ashtabula County since 2019, aimed to connect families with cats in need of homes, offering a unique alternative to traditional Valentine’s gifts.
The event featured nearly 50 cats, with visitors encouraged to adopt two or more felines to receive a discount of $25 off per cat, along with a complimentary kitty loveseat. The Purr-Fect Pairs event attracted a steady flow of attendees, showcasing the strong community interest in supporting Winky Cats and its mission.
Community Engagement and Adoption Success
Margie Netzel, Treasurer and Adoption Coordinator for Winky Cats, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s theme. “These themed events we have are a lot of fun, so when we saw Valentine’s Day fell on a Saturday we decided to embrace it with Purr-Fect Pairs,” she remarked. The organization has seen visitors travel significant distances to participate, with some coming from as far as Warren and Akron.
Among the attendees were Travis Loescher and Rebecca Sapienza, who drove approximately one hour from Lorain to attend the event. Sapienza, who recently lost her cat Gus after a decade together, shared her hope of finding a new companion. “I never wanted a black cat and I never wanted a boy, but I ended up with both and Gus was my love,” she stated. “Now, hopefully we will find our new love.”
In the first hour alone, Winky Cats reported that 11 cats had already found new homes, reflecting the event’s immediate impact and the community’s eagerness to adopt.
Winky Cats’ Mission and Future Events
Initially founded as the Community Cats Coalition, Winky Cats has evolved from a trap-neuter-return initiative to a more comprehensive approach that includes fostering and adopting friendly cats and kittens. The partnership with PetSmart in Mentor, located at 9122 Mentor Ave., has greatly enhanced their outreach efforts and ability to connect with potential adopters.
Winky Cats maintains a cat care center in Geneva, which provides short-term housing for cats in the adoption program. Netzel clarified that while the center supports their mission, it does not function as a traditional animal shelter. The organization has expanded significantly, now occupying a 1,700-square-foot facility equipped with areas designated for various purposes, including health assessments and adoption processing.
Looking ahead, Winky Cats plans to host various fun events, including a Kitten Corral in summer and a major event during National Adoption Week from March 27 to March 29, 2024. Over the past year, the organization has successfully aided 1,259 cats, leading to 575 adoptions and 9,000 hours of volunteer service, underscoring their commitment to animal welfare.
For more information on available cats and upcoming events, visit Winky Cats’ official website at winkycats.com.
