ST. PAULS — Look who the cats dragged in.
Jackson Galaxy, host of Animal Planet’s “My Cat From Hell,” recently visited the Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary in St. Pauls. The 49-year-old said the shelter stood out from the many facilities he’s seen during five seasons of his hit reality show.
“One of the things I’ll take in immediately when walking through a place like this is how are the cats,” said Galaxy, a cat behaviorist by day and a rock musician by night. “The cats here are great. They’re social, healthy looking and happy. … These guys are clearly comfortable.”
Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary has kept watch over sightless felines in St. Pauls for a decade. The facility is home to 91 blind cats that are considered unadoptable and would likely face euthanization at traditional shelters.
To discourage people from dropping off their unwanted pets, the nonprofit rarely allows visitors past its gates without an appointment. An exception was made for Galaxy, who drew dozens of excited fans to the facility on Nov. 14.
On “My Cat From Hell,” cat owners call on Galaxy to fix their pet’s behavioral issues. Born Richard Kirschner, the Manhattan native also serves as a panelist on Game Show Network’s “Think Like a Cat.”
He is the author of several feline-themed books, including The New York Times bestseller “Catification: Designing a Happy and Stylish Home for Your Cat” and “Catify to Satisfy,” which was released earlier this month.
In addition to caring for blind cats, the sanctuary provides support for animals across Robeson County. The nonprofit recently furnished 210 pet-sized oxygen masks to local firefighters and donated a new K9 Deployment and Heat Alert system to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
“Blind Cat Rescue’s mission is to promote the welfare of animals in our community,” Alana Miller, the shelter’s founder, told The Robesonian earlier this year. “As part of that, we are always looking for opportunities where we can fill unmet needs.”
For information, visit blindcatrescue.com.
Reach features editor Jaymie Baxley of The Robesonian at 910-416-5771.
