Cat Wranglers seeing success after years of struggle

KELLOGG –– While their mission is far from over, the Silver Valley Cat Wranglers find themselves in an unfamiliar spot. 

They are currently not responsible for any kittens. 

The nonprofit organization has been dedicated to its cause of improving the lives of cats throughout the Silver Valley by emphasizing education and outreach for residents – which includes assisting in spay and neuter surgeries. 

“It’s frankly amazing to me that right now we do not have multiple litters of kittens that need to be adopted out – and we’re in February,” said SVCW president Rene Gilbert. “I realize that the weather has been a little crazy, which can affect cat population, but I’d like to think that the reason we don’t have any kittens right now is because we’ve been doing a better job with the spays and neuters and we’re seeing the result of that.” 

This success has not come without a cost. 

While costs have steadily increased for all products and services, including veterinary services – Gilbert and the rest of her Wranglers have annually used more than half of their limited budget on getting these animals fixed and vaccinated. 

“It’s getting more and more expensive for us to do this,” Gilbert said. “But we also understand where a lot of people are struggling. We know you love your kitties, but if it comes down it, are you going to pay to get them fixed or are you going to buy food, and other necessities? We don’t want to fault you for that, but it is becoming more challenging for us with our limited funds.” 

Beyond the money spent on just fixing and vaccinating the animals, the SVCW uses their donated funds to cover other emergency vet bills, cover transportation costs, as well as purchase supplies for when they have to foster multiple felines.

As Gilbert said, it would appear that the fruits of their labor are showing, but it only takes one or two missed opportunities to undo their work. 

With limited veterinary services in Shoshone County, it forces the SVCW to utilize groups in Kootenai County or further to get cats fixed.

“Our two local veterinary clinics are amazing and help us out whenever and wherever they can,” Juli Zook said. “But they are so busy helping everyone in the Valley, they don’t always have the availability to drop everything and help us – but the other groups can be more expensive and require traveling. It can be overwhelming.” 

Zook is Gilbert’s right hand within the organization and she takes the lead for fundraising – she has set up a special auction at the Dirty Dog Saloon in Kellogg for later this month. 

Previous fundraisers have netted them up to 20% of their annual budget, but the hope is that they can continue to raise enough funds to stay on top of their noble cause. 

Zook is still looking for donations for the upcoming auction, and any other donations are always welcome. 

“We are so grateful for the continued support we receive from the community,” Gilbert said. “Last year, a successful event at the Dirty Dog Saloon raised over $2,000. It’s always fun when Mike Kennaugh and crew allow the saloon to go to the cats for a day.”

The Silver Valley Cat Wranglers silent auction will March 20, at 6 p.m. at the Dirty Dog Saloon in Kellogg.

For more information or if you need to have a cat wrangled you can contact the Silver Valley Cat Wranglers – Juli Zook (208)659-1764 or Rene Gilbert (208) 512-2173.