By Jacqueline Devine
Animal shelters and rescue organizations across the southwest metro are offering tips on how animals can be protected and kept safe during the cold Minnesota winter months.
Linda Hoffman, who is affectionately known as the “Carver Cat Lady,” said she’s been rescuing cats since 2013 and is well known in the community.
“It started when I saw a deceased cat on Audubon Road coming home from work. I brought it to my vet to get checked for microchip and they cremated the cat,” Hoffman said. “I realized that there was a need to give tips to people who have found cats and lost cats.”
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Over the years, Hoffman has provided tips on how to care for found animals and feral cats through social media and has even provided testimony before the Chaska City Council and Carver County Commission.
“I can’t even give you the exact number but there is a strong need for Chaska and Carver County to get an impound for found cats of which I have gone in front of the Chaska City Council twice and the Carver County Commission in 2018,” Hoffman said. “Carver Scott Humane Society tries to help when they can and have space and they have been absolutely wonderful.”
Safety tips for catsHoffman said there are several ways to pet owners can protect their house cats and feral cats during the winter.
“Winter and colder weather is upon us. Please work really hard to not have your cat go missing, keep it inside, and please do not let it go outside. It is too cold for them to be outdoors,” Hoffman said. “I have been informed by a local impound that, overall, less than 2% of all cats turned into animal control, shelter or the Humane Society are reunited with their owners. This is because the cats are not microchipped and registered and people do not know where to go and look for their missing cats. Just think of how many cats will be reunited if they are microchipped and registered.”