Within the 1^st 5 minutes (not an exaggeration) of arriving in Panama City, I saw many homeless kittens and cats. I was told I was not allowed to feed them. (I was staying at my friend’s apt and that order came from management).

Well, I listened to that for about a minute! Long story but now, 6 years later- those cats are spayed, neutered and fed. Of course, not all of them are the same cats- cats outside do not live very long. AND I now have permission to feed them.

I had NO IDEA what I was getting into when I started feeding a few homeless kitties. I was not prepared to take on (and I’m still not) the financial, physical or emotional responsibility. There are so many cats in need EVERYWHERE! No matter where I went, home shopping, work etc., there were homeless, hungry, sick and injured cats! I could NOT ignore what I saw or turn my back.

I now take care of over 90 cats and 10 colonies from the west end of Panama City to the east end of the beach. My mission is to provide quality of life to cats living on the streets. And yes, that means going over and above just putting food in a bowl. I provide all weather shelters and feeding stations. I also monitor for sick and injured cats and get them the medical care they need. I clean and maintain their environment by sweeping up glass, picking up thrown out people food and trash and even mowing, weed eating and bush whacking their surroundings!

When I first started this, I had to be “incognito” because of laws and people’s mentality and perception of feeding cats. And because of this I could not “advertise” or draw attention to garner support and help. No one ever heard of me until there was an article in the local paper about me and what I do.

But, by that time, I had won over owners and management at the locations I went to and had permissions and cooperation from them.