Woodmere nonprofit rescues and places cats

Abandoned, neglected, abused or homeless cats, kittens to be spayed or neutered have an advocate in the Woodmere-based nonprofit, volunteer driven, rescue organization Alleykattz.

Founded in 2018 by Sonnia Cepeda, Alleykattz is an outgrowth of something she did at work. “I started rescuing cats at my job, I became involved with people that did rescue,” Cepeda said.

“About every month I did independent rescue and find them homes. Caryn Cohen reached out to me for the FIV cat [FIV is AIDS in cats], and after that we became friends and Caryn happened to be my rescue partner.”

Cohen and another volunteer Louann Paradiso-Giordonello help to ensure that the cats are in a safe environment conducting home checks and setting up veterinarian appointments.

“People put in an application and Louann will look at it and contact the person,” Cepeda said. “Louann does the applications, home checks, vet references and does everything to get the cat home. Caryn will alert us on grants that are coming up, she will get calls about rescues, and reminds us of things we must do. Caryn is our information center. I do adoption contracts, vet appointments, transports, fundraisers and the grant writing for our grants.”

Alleykattz has a partnership with David Bernacchi who leads Pets4love and Gill Nunes who is part of Catfixerny and serves as the licensed vet tech for Alleycattz. Pets4luv takes in cats and dogs that are abused, neglected or homeless. The collaboration has “helped everyone,” Cepeda said.

Cohen believes the staff’s dedication has continued to blossom throughout the coronavirus pandemic and how difficult the job can be at times. “Honestly, I wish we had more vets, we have a few and they are awesome however it is difficult to get appointments because there is a waiting list,” Cohen said. “It is stressful for the people who are hands on. The number of cats being trapped compared to the number of clinics that take in ferals seems too never be enough.”

Alan Goldstone who lives in western Connecticut fostered half a dozen cats from Alleycattz eight years ago and continues to help Cepeda and the company when he can. “Sonnia and I connected through Facebook, and I give her a lot of credit for the time she puts in,” Goldstone said. “I try to help out on occasion and I will do some transfers up to Hartford Connecticut when I can.”

Cepeda and her volunteers all work and squeeze in the Alleykattz tasks around their schedules. “I am so proud of them (Sonnia and Louann) because it is a 24/7, 365-day job, Sonnia works full time, Louann works full time and yet we have rescued and placed a couple of thousands of kittens and cats to amazing homes,” Cohen said. I am very proud to be a part of it. The fosters, the people who transport, those are the real heroes.” Fosters are people who care for the cats until they are permanently placed with pet owners.