Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept/Oct 2019

169 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestofMP.com S even years ago, Paula Genovese was volunteering with other organizations helping care for the cat population in Charleston. By happenstance, Genovese got the idea for Feral Cat Helpers (FCH) after seeing a woman in Beaufort ride her bike to a location, stop and take care of several cats. “She had dishes to feed them and give them water,” said Genovese. “I’ve always loved cats, so I went over and talked to her, and I thought that it was great.” Fast forward a few years, and Genovese is now one of only two feral cat rescue groups in the Charleston area. FCH covers east of the Cooper River, focusing mainly north of the Isle of Palms connector. FCH has seven colonies in North Mount Pleasant. On a daily basis, Genovese feeds approximately 40 cats with the help of a few volunteers; they also provide cat food to low- income seniors for their outdoor cats. The money raised to run FCH comes from private donations and fundraisers such as bake sales, holiday gift wrap and an annual rescue-cat calendar. FCH is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. “My goal throughout this journey has been to cut down the feral cat population that keeps popping up in this area,” explained Genovese. “This year has been the first year that I’ve really seen a difference in the number of pregnant cats I’m finding or the litters of kittens that are found.” For Genovese, this means that in the four years since she started FCH, approximately 400 cats have been trapped, spayed or neutered and returned to colony life or re-homed once socialized. In the past year, 140 adult cats and kittens have found forever homes through the FCH adoption program. From April to November, FCH is busy with kitten season. This season lasts longer in Charleston simply because of the climate. Charleston County residents should know that there are grants that provide free neuter and spaying. These grants also BY ALLI STEINKE Caring for Stray and Feral Cats Fer l Cat Helpers pets