Did you know that not far outside of Meeker town there is a kitty kingdom? Yep, the Wild West Kitty Kingdom, to give it its full title. But this is not just a place with a bunch of cats, it is a completely certified, non-profit cat rescue. And our community has Irene Kilbane to thank for its existence as well as over 10 years of work reducing the stray and feral cat population that was causing property owners throughout the White River Valley.
ADREINNE WIX PHOTO
Kilbane trapped her first feral cat in 2007 as a favor to a friend. That cat was neutered and rehomed responsibly. But he was not the only cat around that had become a problem, in fact the high population of stray and feral cats in Meeker had found its way onto the town meeting agenda in previous years. In 2009, Kilbane started the Meeker Cat Coalition, a 501c3 non-profit, which allowed her to begin to apply for, and receive grants. Kilbane has also obtained a state PACFA shelter license making her operation completely legitimate.
ADREINNE WIX PHOTO
The Wild West Kitty Kingdom mission is as follows: “The Wild West Kitty Kingdom’s mission is to educate and support the community in the understanding that these animals have the same needs as us. They want to be safe, comfortable, sheltered, fed, and loved.”
Today, Kilbane and four volunteers work to maintain a safe place for stray, abandoned or relinquished cats to reside and get the medical care they need before being rehomed or returned to their owners. Kilbane is committed to help solve Meeker’s feral and stray cat overpopulation problem through the humane use of traps, known as TNR (trap, neuter, release). In doing so, she provides a vital community service to the Meeker area.
ADREINNE WIX PHOTO
But this is not Kilbane’s only job. She also works as an RN at the local hospital and is a caregiver to a friend who lives with her. While Kilbane has opened up her home to this cause, the rescue could always use financial support from the community so she can continue doing this work. For years most of the funds that make the Wild West Kitty Kingdom possible have come out of Kilbane’s own pocket, and while she is proud and happy to do this work, there is no end in sight to this rescue or the resources it needs. If you would like to learn more about our local cat rescue, and/or donate please visit www.wildwestkittykingdom.org
By ADRIENNE WIX – Special to the Herald Times
