Hurricane Irma: Golden Gate cat shelter gets generators from community, needs gas and food

Cats rest outside at the Naples Cat Alliance in Golden Gate on Sept. 14, 2017, after Hurricane Irma struck the region, leaving behind no power. Post-Irma, the Alliance received donations of three generators and seeks help from public for gas, food and water to keep the cats healthy.

Like most places in Collier County, power was lost when Hurricane Irma struck the region, leaving people and their pets with few places to escape the summer heat.

The same goes for the Naples Cat Alliance.

The nonprofit cat shelter lost electricity Sunday with about 150 rescue cats inside the facility.

"When you see them like this it's really hard," volunteer Camille Loge said as she fed some of the cats in cages placed outside the Golden Gate shelter Thursday.

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Hurricane Irma: Animal shelters make preparations, but they need help

Volunteers with Naples Cat Alliance in Golden Gate set up generator donated by Lowe's Home Improvement in East Naples on Sept. 14, 2017, after Hurricane Irma struck the region, leaving behind no power.

The rest of the cats were roaming in the shelter with a breeze entering the stuffy interior. 

Fortunately, before the storm hit Southwest Florida, Loge said, the shelter found foster families for more than 100 cats. 

Florida Power and Light reported that the Gulf Coast may lack power until Sept. 22

But thanks to the community, the shelter may get back on its feet before then.

Cats rest outside at the Naples Cat Alliance in Golden Gate on Sept. 14, 2017, after Hurricane Irma struck the region, leaving behind no power. Post-Irma, the Alliance received donations of three generators and seeks help from public for gas, food and water to keep cats healthy.

On Thursday, Lowe's Home Improvement in East Naples donated a generator to the shelter. Volunteer and board member Dominick Russo pulled up to the front with the large generator on the back of a pickup. 

Megan Sorbara, president of the alliance, said they've received two other donated generators from the community. But they still need other supplies and more volunteers to keep the cats healthy. 

"We still need gas for the generators, cans of food and dry food and water," Sorbara said. 

To donate or volunteer, visit www.naplescatalliance.org/#naplescatalliance or call 424-835-1523.