Sign Explanation

For those of you who have had the opportunity to visit with our Abay Kitties you may have seen our signs. Please don't think us cold hearted and let me explain some of the reasons behind the signage. First of all let me assure you the kitties are well cared for and not going hungry. Our volunteers provide fresh water and food 365 days a year usually between 3:00 and 6:00 pm. The kitties know this and will come running when they hear our calls.

These feedings are a very important part of our care program. Food is a great motivator and by feeding on a regular schedule it allows us to form a bond and a trust with the kitties. This is especially important if they are ever in need of medical care. It is a lot less traumatic for them to be captured and taken to the vet if we have this bond & trust. We use these feeding and play times to observe the cats and make sure nobody looks ill or injured. Recently during a feeding we observed one of our boys sneezing and having runny eyes. We were able to get him the care he needed and one of our fantastic volunteers medicated him twice a day. It was because of this trust and bond that we were able to get him the care needed. We also use feeding times to make sure no new kitties have appeared that need to be captured, spayed or neutered, shots given and microchip implanted. If the kitties have already been fed by visitors they won't come to dinner and we won't have the opportunity to care for them as we need. We understand everyone loves these beautiful babies and treats are always welcome we just ask you don't feed full meals.

The Waikoloa Land Management has also voiced their concerns that if visitors feed they may leave the cat food cans and bags in the area possibly attracting rodents, bugs and creating a litter nuisance. Our volunteers always police the area and pick up any garbage left behind but again please understand the need for cleanliness.

Mahalo for all of your support, we and the kitties are eternally grateful. Meow, Purrrr