A big “thank you” to CIT Group for coming out to volunteer on Monday, May 6 for a full eight hours! It was a long day, but we got so much done because of their 19 volunteers. They did a variety of work at the ranch, including landscaping, fencing, grooming horses, and much more! The group really worked hard and helped made Catty Shack a better place for our animals and guests alike.

If you have a corporate or volunteer group and would like to set up a volunteer work day with us, please contact us!

On Saturday, May 4, the University Club hosted a Charity Gala to benefit MDA Augie’s Quest, Employees Partners Care, and Catty Shack! It was a great time had by all – there was dinner, a live auction, silent auction, and plenty of dancing. A big thank you to Bob & Sissy Schmidt, Woody Carlson, Audrey Reiley, and Hank Carrico for putting all of this together!

If you’re looking for something to do today with Mom, come on by the ranch…we are open 1-4 PM (last ticket sales at 3:15 PM). It looks like it’s going to be a wonderful day today!

April Newsletter (featuring Nyra)

Sign up today to make sure you get on our list for the April newsletter! If you want to be the first to know about monthly events, specials, and more, the Catty Shack newsletter is the way to go. We’ll even sometimes send out specials and coupons for upcoming events!

We also have our “Birthday Club” – all you have to do is share your birthday month with us and you’ll automatically be sent a birthday gift for your special day. It’s optional – but, hey, who doesn’t want another birthday gift?

You can sign up for our e-mail list in the form on the right-side of this page or through the form below. After signing up, you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail that you must click-through to approve before you’ll start receiving emails.

On April 20, about 60 people came out to Catty Shack to camp out under the stars (and next to the big cats)! The day may have started out a bit rainy and muddy, but it brightened up quickly. After setting up their campsites next to various habitats of our lions, cougars, tigers, and bobcats, all visitors got to enjoy a dinner under our big tent followed by a night feeding of all our animals.

The evening was rounded off by our huge bonfire…complete with s’mores! Since our animals are nocturnal, visitors listened to them “talk” to each other throughout the night as they tried to get some sleep. Our Roar N’ Snore ended the next day with some breakfast for everyone and a little more time watching the cats before it was time to pack up.

You can find all the pictures of the April 2013 Roar N’ Snore on our Facebook page or on our website!

Were you one of the guests camping with us this past April? If not, don’t worry – you’ll get another chance on November 23-24 to enjoy the Roar N’ Snore!

We would also like to say a big “THANK YOU” to the Yulee Target store that came out early April 20 to help us get ready for the Roar n’ Snore! We appreciate everything you did for us.

There will be plenty to do, including a silent auction (with a chance to win signed guitars from Dieks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, and Billy Currington!), dinner, dancing, and more! Come out in your evening finest – dress attire is formal.

Day: Saturday, May 4

Time: 6:00 PM

Cost: $50 per person, inclusive (100% tax deductible)

Schedule:
6:00 PM | Registration and Charity Classic Gala
6:00 – 7:o0 PM | Silent Auction and passed hors d’oeuvres with featured beer and wine
7:15 PM | Dinner is served
8:30 PM | Live auction and dancing

Purchase Tickets: Click Here!

Name: Lauren

When did you start volunteering at Catty Shack? My junior year in college – sometime around October ’08.

How did you start volunteering at Catty Shack? In one of my graphic design classes we had to work with a non-profit to make a poster. I chose Catty Shack, and decided I wanted to keep volunteering after my poster project was done. Unfortunately, due to the rigors of school, I disappeared from volunteering for a little while, but was able to start it back up on a regular basis once I was almost done with school.

What has been your favorite moment(s) at Catty Shack so far? One day while helping to turn off water hoses to the tiger pools, I noticed Hercules – one of our white tigers – slinking around in his pool, completely immersed up to his eyes and watching me intently. Once I got close enough to turn off his hose, he decided it was time. Quickly, he jumped out of his pool at just the right angle to drench me. Since then I like to think of him as our “Shark Kitty” – he loves to drench you if he can!

Thank you, Lauren, for everything you do at Catty Shack!

If you have a volunteer or corporate group that you think would enjoy having a work day with us, please contact us!

Established in 1985, Switzerland Animal Hospital (originally Fruit Cove Animal Hospital) has been providing the best medical care for your furry friends that is possible! In 1999, Dr. Bredehoeft bought the practice and renamed it to what it is today. Switzerland Animal Hospital provides a variety of treatments for your pets including laser surgery, dental radiography, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, boarding, and much more!

We at Catty Shack are so thankful for the continued support from Switzerland Animal Hospital! They have previously “adopted” a tiger – which is a great way to help support the cost of food, enrichment activities, medical expenses, and whatever our residents may need. They also have a wonderful program – when one of their patients passes over the rainbow bridge a $15 donation is given to Catty Shack in the patient’s honor and a sympathy note is sent to the owner’s home. We are thankful for every donation and our heart goes out to every owner who is now missing their best friend.

 
When visiting Catty Shack, we hope you get a moment to take a look at our “Friends of the Cats” board, highlighting all the businesses that have helped Catty Shack by donating time, services, and/or materials. Please help us in thanking them by using their services whenever applicable. If you have a business and are interested in becoming a “Friend of the Cats” or a corporate sponsor, please contact us.