Update from Tree House Animal Shelter's Web page ---

Here's What We're Doing

After just two weeks of observations, assessment, planning, and training with Race Course management and caretaking staff, the Coalition of animal welfare organizations has made significant progress.

New Shelters and Feeding Stations in Time for Winter

On Monday, November 17th, representatives from Tree House and Triple R Pets, along with Jim Miller and Tim Becker of Hawthorne Race Course, distributed 20 new insulated shelters and four feeding stations at four different locations around the backstretch of the race course. These locations were selected based on the natural shelter already provided by the site (e.g. Hawthorne staff cleaned out one trailer so we could place shelters and a feeding station inside). Other sites are located under trailers and one is between a building and a large utility box which will provide shelter from the wind and cold.

The sites are also located away from barn entrances in an effort to safeguard the cats and not attract other animals and wildlife to the barns to help ensure the safety of the horses as well.

Food and Water

The cats have access to water at all times in the barns. Additionally, the cats are fed every morning around 9:00 a.m. by track staff. Currently, we are providing enough daily dry food for 40 cats (1 cup per cat) which is the estimate of the highest probable number of cats. This is most likely well over the actual number of cats on the backstretch, however, it will ensure there is ample food while we assess the total number of cats.

In addition to the daily dry ration supplied by Hawthorne Race Course, Tree House donated a year's supply of wet food which is being stored at Hawthorne Race Course. The cats will receive a weekly meal of wet food, which will be administered by a Coalition member. This will help us account for any new cats, closely monitor all cats, and provide the cats with extra moisture and protein in their diets.

During the transition period, the cats were being fed at two different locations on the backstretch to help ensure all cats had ready access to the feeding areas. We have added two new feeding stations (for four total). This will help us better track the cats as well as improve their quality of life by creating four separate “territories” for the cats.

Trapping Rehearsal Stage

Because the cats are still adjusting to their new schedules and caretakers, we are currently in the “trapping rehearsal stage”. It is most efficient and safe for us to begin trapping once the cats are more comfortable with all the adjustments. Therefore, we have traps in place but they are not set. To help the cats become more comfortable, we are placing food in the traps. As soon as the cats are eating well and regularly in the "unset traps", the Coalition will begin safely trapping the cats.

We'll begin by focusing on the trailer feeding station where there is a mother cat and kittens. This area is also near Cheeto's reported location. It has been noted that Cheeto is a blind cat who is living at Hawthorne. The Coalition interviewed more than a dozen people at the Race Course and none have ever seen Cheeto. We will continue to be vigilant about the cat named Cheeto as well as cats who are unaltered, and sick and injured to provide them with the care they need.

Other than the guardian barn cats, we have not identified any socialized cats(or cats who are friendly to humans) on the backstretch. As we begin trapping the cats as well as spend more time getting to know the, if we do find any "friendly, socialized cats" we will immediately place them in a shelter or foster home, and make them available for adoption.

Long-term Plans - Ongoing Management

As a Coalition, we are committed to being involved with the Hawthorne Cats long-term and helping ensure they have a healthy environment and good quality of life. In addition to the day-to-day management of the cats, the Coalition will oversee bi-annual clean up and treatment days to catch any fleas or ear mites, and maintain clean and sanitary shelters for the cats. The Coalition will trap, spay/neuter, vaccinate, microchip, and treat any cats as needed.

The Coalition will also maintain clear and open communication and cooperation with the Hawthorne Race Course management and the public to focus on the goal of a healthy and safe colony for the Hawthorne Cats.

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