Whisker Warriors now accepting foster home applications
Whisker Warriors, a new foster-based cat rescue with Interlake roots is determined to give local cats a second chance at life. Winnipeg Beach’s Judy Shaw, along with three other cat lovers founded Whisker Warriors after stepping away from a previous rescue to create an organization from their own visions.
“From bottle babies to aging adults, we strive to find safe homes for cats all over Manitoba,” said Shaw. “We had our own ideas of what we wanted our rescue to look like, and figured it would be a better idea to start fresh. So, about a month ago (end of July) we started seeding the idea and began getting all of our ducks in a row to become a non-profit –– but soon to be registered –– charity.” They have more than 50 years of combined experience in the cat rescue industry and are always on the lookout for ways to improve the lives of cats both in and out of their care. Their rescue work spans a wide range of situations. From stray cats and feral colonies to hoarding cases and surrendered pets. But no matter the backstory, Shaw says the goal remains the same–– find every cat a safe, nurturing home.
Whisker Warriors is looking for foster and adoptive homes across the province, but they are specifically looking for families in Gimli, Stonewall, Teulon, Selkirk, Arborg, Riverton, St. Andrews and surrounding communities across the Interlake. Fosters need to provide a separate room and plenty of love — everything else, including food, supplies, and vet costs, is covered by the rescue.
“The more fosters who are willing to nurture and love the cats, the more cats we can take in. Would we love 100 fosters? Absolutely, because that would mean we are keeping 100 more cats off the streets,” Shaw added.
On average, fosters should expect to spend at least two or three hours each day with the cat, or more if they are taking on bottle babies. Fosters are also welcome to have pets on their own and after the two-week quarantine period, the animals are welcome to roam the house together.
After a two-week quarantine, fosters can integrate cats with their own pets, provided it’s safe to do so. All foster applicants must go through an approval process, which currently starts by emailing execwarriors@gmail.com. Soon, applications and information will be available on their website at www.whiskerwarriorsmb.ca.
In the meantime, adoptable cats, fundraising events, and donation opportunities are being posted on the rescue’s Facebook and Instagram pages, Whisker Warriors Manitoba. Donations can also be sent via e-Transfer to whiskerwarriors25@gmail.com, or supporters can purchase items on their Amazon wish list that linked is linked on their social media.
Whisker Warriors is about more than just saving cats–– it’s about building a compassionate, supportive rescue network across the province. “We want to help wherever we can — cats, people, other rescues. This is about making a difference together,” Shaw said.
Going forward, she plans to host several fundraising and adoption events that will need supporters and volunteers. She is hosting ongoing online auctions through the Whisker Warriors Auction Facebook group, and collects clean aluminum cans through the “Cans for Cats” fundraiser the founders started. Cans can either be dropped off at 517 Eaton St., Winnipeg Beach or at two locations in Winnipeg. Shaw will also pick up cans if prearranged by emailing the rescues main email.
“There are going to be a lot of ways to help out Whisker Warriors either as a foster, volunteer, or donator. We will always be looking for supporters, so don’t be afraid to reach out–– our humans and cats will forever appreciate it.”
