People join and volunteer for the group, which has more than 20,000 members—that’s more than a large town! ACW helps cat owners in three separate ways, with the ultimate goal assisting cat owners to be able to keep their pet friends in unforeseen circumstances, instead of being forced to give them up or have them put down.
The first is for emergency medical conditions, through the Asheville Cat Weirdos Emergency Fund (Emergency Veterinary Assistance Program). In 2023, ACW helped over 230 cats with vet expenses totaling $132,000! This is a three-fold increase in just the last five years. With the cost of everything going up, cat owners are finding it hard to pay for life saving veterinary care—and the EVAP fund is being stressed more than ever. Donations are always needed for this amazing service.
Second, the ACW Cat Pantry redistributes donations of cat food, cat litter and non- prescription flea, tick and heartworm medication (meds when available) to folks in need. Pantry dates are held on 2nd Tuesday and 4th Saturday of every month, at House of Black Cat Magic 841 Haywood Road Asheville, NC 28806 (Tuesdays: 3 to 5pm, Saturdays: 12 to 2pm)
If you’d like to donate products to be distributed, the donation drop off locations include Zen Ink, Asheville Pet Supply, Ivory Road Cafe & Kitchen, Lakeview Putt and Play, and Cutting Edge Salon Fletcher N.C.
Third, the ACW Spay/Neuter Program, funded by a grant, has had hundreds of cats spayed and neutered.
Read more about the group here: https://thelaurelofasheville.com/lifestyle/spotlight-on-asheville-cat-weirdos/
But more than all this, it’s a fun group of people who share photos and compare stories and find out about cat friendly places and events. You can buy ACW shirts, bumper stickers, keychains and more at the online shop https://ashevillecatweirdos.org/shop/
Stickers are also available in the community at Patton Avenue Pet locations, Asheville Pet Supply on Merrimon, House of Black Cat Magic on Haywood and Raven and Crone on Merrimon as well.
Member Raven Sinclaire reminds us, “When you see another car with an ACW sticker on it, there’s even a secret sign we give each other. I’m not telling.” (but you might find the answer in the article above.)
Thank you to all that have volunteered and donated to such a worthy cause. We could not have done anything without the support of YOU!