The “Meet the Fluffs” afternoon put the association’s cattery in the spotlight, inviting members of the public to come by for cake, coffee and cuddles with its 76 cats and kittens.

The event proved to be a roaring success. Volunteers welcomed visitors of all ages to the cat shelter, where they were introduced to the residents, and the cats thoroughly enjoyed all the extra attention.

“We’re over the moon at how the event went,” commented Jane Blum, who takes care of the cat shelter. “It was so nice to see so many people show up and give our cats some love!”

The event was designed to raise awareness about the cattery, which is in urgent need of volunteers and donations. Funds were raised to help ready the shelter for the winter, buy food for the cats and kittens and cover veterinary costs.

As AEZA is a mostly outdoor shelter, volunteers there are very keen to get as many of the cats and kittens into homes before the winter. We’re delighted to share that at least one of the cats has found a new home, after a family fell in love with him during the event and decided that theirs was the right home for him. Blue, who was found abandoned at an Airbnb, will be off to his new family later this week.

AEZA would like to thank the volunteers who made this event possible and especially all the members of the public who made this such a special afternoon. Due to its success, there are plans to hold open afternoons at the cat shelter on a regular basis, at least while the weather remains clement.

Special thanks go to Renee, who donated her time to document this event. As a professional photographer, she focuses on social, sustainable and creative initiatives. For more of her work and information, visit https://cooperativadaterra.pt/frank-by-renee .

Would you and your family like to come to our next Meet the Fluffs event? Please have a look at the AEZA website, www.aeza.org, for more events like this one and for details about how to make a donation, volunteer or adopt a cat or dog.