We are pleased to announce the grand opening of our spacious new cat enclosure – Kitty Corral! Since January 2011, we have gone from close to 80 abandoned and feral cats struggling to make a life at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve, to our first custom enclosure specially designed for cats accustomed to living outdoors. We are so excited to be giving 20 lucky kitties a new start in a great new home.

In partnership with the Town of Gilbert and the help of Riparian staff, we were able to remove most of the Riparian Preserve kitties to safety. Over the years the Preserve had become a dumping ground for unwanted pets. These now homeless and scared cats faced starvation if it weren't for Save The Cats Arizona volunteers who regularly cared for them. Life, though, was still difficult as they faced coyotes, hawks, and the natural elements. Typical scene at the Preserve during feeding time last fall.

After a tremendous effort to trap, spay and neuter the rescued kitties, they went into foster homes while a more permanent solution was developed. Kitties who were still tame were adopted into loving homes. But many had lived on their own for too long and were too cautious of people. They remained in foster homes where although a bit crowded, they didn't have to worry about coyotes. Typical scene in a foster home. "Do you think those humans will notice if we hide under the computer desk?"

On August 1st, 2011, we officially opened our first custom enclosure designed to meet the special needs of abandoned cats. Christened "Kitty Corral," the enclosure has an outdoor feel with plenty of fresh air coupled with the comfort of cubbies and all the amenities of home life. They now can enjoy watching birds and outdoor life while not having to worry about their safety.   The new Kitty Corral before moving in the kitties.

16 lucky kitties have already moved into Kitty Corral. Our volunteers daily refresh the food and water, clean the enclosure, and give the kitties a bit of company.    The enclosure is 360 square feet, covered with canvas and located under several large salt cedar trees. Raised platforms were built to keep the kitties dry should the surrounding grounds flood during a downpour.

We are still working on finishing touches. To bring more nature into the enclosure, we'd like to lay down shade tolerant grass, and grow catnip in a planter. Perches and ramps will be built to satisfy climbing urges.   Two happy residents.

Our mist system keeps things cool during the day. With an automatic timer, it turns on at 9:00 AM and turns off at 6:00 PM. During the summer months this is welcome relief to the kitties.   A Kitty Corral resident enjoying the cooling mist.

Can you help? We are so happy with Kitty Corral and grateful that some of our kitties can now enjoy life again. This accomplishment has not come cheap, though. We now begin the task of paying off loans in excess of $5,000. Can you help with a donation? The kitties would be most grateful! "Ooooo!  Did I see a cool bug in that tree?"

Not only do we need help paying for Kitty Corral, but we still have 40+ kitties in foster homes. With a total of 60+ rescued kitties in our care, we go through a lot of food and litter each week! And wouldn't it be great if the kitties still in foster care could have a Kitty Corral of their own in the future?   …dreaming of Kitty Corral…