On February 14, 2024, Winky Cats organized a special adoption event called the Purr-Fect Pairs at PetSmart in Mentor, Ohio. This initiative aimed to encourage cat adoptions and spread love on Valentine’s Day, showcasing nearly 50 cats available for adoption. Visitors enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the animals while also benefiting from discounts for adopting multiple pets.
The event ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and attracted a diverse crowd. According to Winky Cats Treasurer and Adoption Coordinator Margie Netzel, the organization frequently draws visitors from as far as Warren, Akron, Erie, and Kent. “These themed events 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,” Netzel explained.
Those adopting two or more cats received a discount of $25 off each cat, along with a complimentary kitty loveseat to help the new pets settle in at home. The first hour of the event saw an impressive start, with 11 cats adopted early on.
Among the attendees were Travis Loescher and Rebecca Sapienza, who traveled approximately one hour from Lorain. Sapienza, who recently lost her cat Gus after ten years, expressed her eagerness to find a new feline 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 shared. “Now, hopefully, we will find our new love.”
Winky Cats, established in 2019, began as the Community Cats Coalition, focusing on the trap-neuter-return (TNR) method to manage the feral and stray cat population humanely. The partnership with PetSmart has greatly enhanced their ability to facilitate adoptions, providing a welcoming space for potential pet owners.
The organization also caters to foster care and adoption for friendly cats and kittens rescued from various situations, including hoarding. All adoptable cats and kittens can be viewed on the Winky Cats Facebook page, with the current adoption event highlighted. The Winky Cats Cat Care Center, located in Geneva, serves as short-term housing for these animals, although Netzel clarified that it is not a traditional animal shelter or veterinary office.
Over the past year, Winky Cats has made a significant impact, helping 1,259 cats and facilitating 575 adoptions. Volunteers dedicated more than 9,000 hours to support the organization’s efforts. “We have so much fun at these events, and the themed ones are great,” Netzel remarked.
Looking ahead, Winky Cats has plans for additional themed events. They will host a Kitten Corral in the summer, where attendees can play with kittens as part of a fundraising effort. The organization will also participate in National Adoption Week from March 27 to March 29, further promoting the importance of pet adoption.
For more information about Winky Cats and its programs, visit their website at winkycats.com.
