There’s a big celebration coming up in Comox as CATS Rescue - Cat Advocates Teaching and Saving Society - is inviting everyone to a free Community Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 13th, from 12pm to 2pm at their shelter on Knight Road.

The afternoon will feature a barbecue, live music, face painting, a petting zoo, and tours of the shelter, including Vancouver Island’s first sanctuary for semi-social cats. These are cats that may never fully trust people, but still do well in a safe space with other cats.

This summer marked a huge milestone for the group, which started out of a garage just six years ago. Since then, CATS has rescued more than 900 cats, powered entirely by volunteers and donations. Their shelter now has three intake rooms, a kitten nursery, and a dedicated adoption area. Plus, every purchase at their Thrift Corner helps fund rescue efforts.