
Photo by Moises Chiquito Margaret Vautard, (first row, second to left) Director and Founder of C.A.T.S. Bridge to Rescue, located in Trevose, is surrounded by her dedicated group of volunteers who help give stray cats a second chance.
by June Portnoy
As winter’s chill sets in, the dedicated team at C.A.T.S. (Caring About the Strays) Bridge to Rescue, Inc. in Trevose is ramping up its efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of cats in the community. Since its founding in 2009, this rescue has been a sanctuary for felines in need. As a non-profit, no-kill organization, its mission extends beyond sheltering cats; it aims to address overpopulation through education, responsible pet ownership, and adoption. At the heart of this effort is Margaret Vautard, the dedicated director and founder whose passion for animal welfare has transformed countless feline lives.
Margaret’s journey began in Bensalem, where her aunt’s property located near the former racetrack was a magnet for stray kittens. Hungry and desperate, they would wander to the fence line, seeking refuge. One heart-wrenching moment, discovering 15 abandoned cats in a carrier, became a turning point in Margaret’s life. “When I pulled them out and cleaned them up, I knew I had to start a rescue,” she recalled. By 2010, her dream materialized into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In 2012, the rescue found its current home at 2820 Old Lincoln Highway, Suite 4 in Trevose.
C.A.T.S. Bridge to Rescue operates as a haven for cats of all ages and conditions. From those requiring medical interventions to healthy kittens, every feline is given a chance to thrive. Despite their efforts, the shelter is currently at capacity, with over 60 cats on-site and nearly 40 more in foster care. “Our ultimate goal is to find these cats homes, so we have room to house additional ones,” said Margaret.
While the shelter provides immediate care, fostering plays a crucial role in its operations. Foster parents take in mothers with newborns or pregnant cats, offering a safer and more nurturing environment. Volunteers undergo training to ensure they’re equipped to handle the responsibility. “Good foster parents are hard to come by,” Margaret admitted. “We have about six dedicated fosters who truly go above and beyond.”
Adoption at C.A.T.S. Bridge to Rescue is more than a transaction; it’s about building a lifelong bond. Prospective adopters fill out a detailed application and undergo a thorough vetting process. Margaret explained, “We want to ensure the cat is going to a loving, responsible home. It’s not just about finding a home; it’s about finding the right home.” Factors like existing pets, children in the household, and previous experience with animals are carefully considered.
Adopting from C.A.T.S. is a profoundly rewarding experience. Margaret emphasized, “You know in your heart that you are saving a cat by rescuing an animal in need. That’s enough gratification for anyone.” The shelter has successfully placed cats ranging from kittens to seniors, including a 17-year-old cat recently adopted by a family eager to give it love and comfort in its twilight years.
The rescue’s impact extends far beyond adoptions. Their low-cost spay/neuter program addresses the root causes of overpopulation, helping to reduce the number of stray cats in the community. Margaret encourages people to act during the colder months, offering tips for keeping outdoor cats safe and warm, such as creating shelters with straw and providing food. She helps people navigate through the system if they find a cat or need to surrender one by educating them about the resources available to them to make their experience easier.
Community involvement is vital to the organization’s success. Volunteers, ranging from Girl Scout troops to individuals, offer their time to clean, socialize cats, and donate supplies. Specialized programs, like the “New Mama Cat Donation Program,” ensure rescued mother cats and their kittens receive proper nutrition and care. Donations of food, blankets, and funds are always welcome, helping to sustain the shelter’s daily operations and medical expenses.
The rescue’s work is filled with heartwarming stories. Margaret recalled a recent incident where 15 cats were dumped at the shelter, many of them blind. Thanks to fundraisers and community support, surgeries were performed, and four of these cats have already found loving homes. In another instance, a mother cat and her newborn kittens were left in a bag outside the shelter. Despite these challenges, Margaret and her team never tire of helping. “When you see them thrive and find a home, it’s all worth it,” she says.
Amanda Palmer-Herrerias, volunteer coordinator; Ann O’Keefe, computer specialist; Mindy Shoengold, community outreach coordinator; and Alan Bisignaro, rehabilitator, each volunteer their time playing a key role in helping this organization succeed. With nearly 50 volunteers contributing in various capacities, the shelter continues to make a significant difference.
However, the need for adopters, donations, and additional support remains critical. Whether it’s through adopting a cat, volunteering, or contributing to their wishlist, every effort helps.
C.A.T.S. Bridge to Rescue embraces the belief that every animal deserves a chance at life and love. Margaret’s dedication, along with the tireless efforts of her volunteers, ensures that these felines not only survive but thrive. For more information on how to adopt, donate, or volunteer, visit their website at catsbridge.org, call their shelter at 215-987-8961, or visit them on Facebook at CATS Bridge to Rescue Group.