Feline feeling in family- Rachel, Andrea and Daniela are calling on community support. 52653Picture: Kim Cartmell

By Lia Bichel
A GROUP of women who have saved thousands of cats in and around Casey and Greater Dandenong are holding a fundraiser this month to help save more.
Doveton residents Andrea Shiozaki, her mother, and many of their friends make up the BAST Cat club, which rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes abandoned and stray cats.
The fundraiser will be at Noble Park RSL on 19 September and aims to raise funds to help the group provide homes, food and medicine to the cats.
Ms Shiozaki said the group currently has about 200 cats, which were in desperate need of homes.
“We rescue them from whatever situation they are in; whether they are strayed or abused,” she said.
Ms Shiosaki has rescued a range of cats and desexes, microchips and vaccinates them all before trying to find them homes.
She has rescued many which are ill and added she would never have them put down.
“Ten years ago, more than 60,000 cats were euthanised- you can only imagine how many are now,” she said.
“We believe they have a right for life – if they are ill we will nurse them.”
But saving the cats comes with a price, and members of the club pay for the cats care by themselves.
In March, Ms Shiosaki was declared bankrupt.
“One operation can cost $1200,” she said.
“Many cats have of lots of health issues and need continuos medicine. We try to get them the best care we can. Many rescuers don’t keep ferrels, but we treat every cat that comes to us as equal as that cat that came before,” she said.
She said it was important for owners to desex their cats to help prevent the spread of diseases and to decrease the number of strays in the state.
Twisties Scrumptious Smorgasbord, featuring lots of food and prizes to be won, will be held at 11am at the Noble Park RSL on Heatherton Road.
Entry consists of a fee, which will go to the RSL to cover the cost of the food, and a can, box or bag of cat food and guests must RSVP by 10 September.
For more information about the fundraiser, the BAST Cat Club or to adopt a cat contact
Andrea on 0425 712 753 or visit petrescue.com.au or www.bastcatclub.com.