Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Our second month of pet food distribution is underway. We have 50 total colony caretakers registered and 26 are active. All feed cats, some have dogs.

Our main focus is dry cat food, especially during these winter months.  We’ll need bags of food in the 10-20 pound range. Smaller bags can be combined as well.

Most caretakers are fond of Rachel Ray and Purina brands. We have an array of options on our wish list.

My community cats can be very fussy about food, but I’m very fussy about my fixed income. So we compromise. I buy a big affordable bag of Special Kitty ($50 for 50 pounds) and smaller bags of their preferred foods. Then I mix them.

It works. We all pretend I’m not horrible. I tell them about growing up in a family with a mother who was a terrible cook – I had my share of Special Kitty meals vis a vis boiled meat, potatoes, and frozen peas and carrots.

One would think the cats don’t believe me. Or simply don’t care.

We are averaging 10 lbs of dry and 24 cans of wet for each feeder. It’s not a bad start, but it is quite modest.

That’s 260 lbs of dry food and 450 cans. Canned food is not ideal in cold weather, so we’ll distribute more dry in Dec, Jan, and February. We can buy dry food around $1.00 per pound so that’s $260 minimum each month. Closer to $300 really.

We also distribute dog food to three feeders, as well as rehoming  cat trees and shelters.

If you can contribute a bag of food or contribute a financial donation toward a bag of food, lovely. I realize a pet food drive is not very seasonal, but it can help. It’s a change of pace. Great project for kids and young adults.

We are working to establish relationships with pet food retailers. Our hope is that our neighbors will consider a modest monthly donation that we can count on.

We often receive donations when pets get finicky or when they pass.

Remember, our pantry prioritizes community cat colonies, feeders, TNR experts, and low income pet owners in the 18 neighborhoods of the Northside and adjacent communities. We believe a hyperlocal approach offers the best chance to improve the overall quality of life for the humans and the critters.

Of course we make exceptions…

Muriel appreciates donations to Pittsburgh Northside Holiday Pet Food Drive You are supporting neighbors who take care of community animals – homeless, abandoned, and wildlife. It is rewarding work, but also exhausting, endless, debilitating, and demoralizing. It is also expensive to provide veterinary care, supplies, equipment. And food.

Pet food is pricey. A simple 3 pound bag helps stretch things. A small case of canned food gives the cats a treat and boost. Dental treats might ward off deadly dental disease.

If you can donate, we can reach more caretakers. We have 50 registered households.

GoFundMe bit.ly/GivePghCatFolx
Venmo @ PittsburghLGBTQ
Paypal.me/PittsburghLGBTQ
Wishlist bit.ly/TheRuffList

Thank you.