Conversations with Michelle DePrima

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle DePrima. 

Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have had an affinity for cats since I was a child, even the spicy ones! About 16 years ago, I searched for a volunteer opportunity that would benefit cats and ended up at the spay/neuter clinics that were being held at the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. Kittens often came in as part of the process. Eventually, I was asked to foster a feral kitten. And that’s where it started. 

Since then, I have fostered (cats and kittens awaiting adoption are kept in private homes) about 1200 cats and kittens. Mostly tame, mostly physically normal, but I’ve had my share of feral kittens, blind, deaf, neurological, and those with unexpected and unusual medical or behavioral issues. 

I’ve been involved with a number of rescues and shelters in the metro area and fulfilled many different roles. I’ve fostered, provided education and training, and was a medical director for a rescue for 5 years. I’ve played the roles of web designer, adoption counselor, and general cat wrangler. 

Cats Pawjamas Rescue Society is my second attempt at starting my own rescue. I tried to start my own years ago, but I didn’t have enough experience in the administrative requirements, the people network, or the extra capacity such an effort requires. 

In 2019 I decided I had had enough practice and it was now or never. I was confident that I knew how to leverage best practices, that I understood the challenges and pitfalls, and had a clear understanding of regulatory requirements. 

Unfortunately, rescues such as mine very rarely can afford to pay a director. The result is that the mountain of work that is required comes second to my real job. I happen to be at a less chaotic point in my life leaving capacity for this role. 

It took about 6 months of part-time effort to get the required components in place. This had to be completed before I could start bringing in cats. 

• Incorporate

• Obtain an EIN

• 501(c)3 Determination – 1023EZ form can be approved in as little as 4-6 weeks

• Sales Tax License

• Obtain Veterinary oversight

• Identify vendors and special pricing for non-profits 

• Open Business bank accounts

• Establishbasic Social Media Presence 

• PurchaseURL 

• Build/Buy Website

• Buy critical shelter management software

During this time, I was also recruiting fosters and investigating some initial funding sources. 

2021 will be our first full year of adoptions. My target was 100 adoptions. As of 12/6/21, we’ve had 70 adoptions. A significant issue with Petfinder.com, the platform that generates most of our adoptions, impacted us negatively in August, September, and part of October. We currently have 32 cats in care. 

I have 2 significant challenges: the effort required of me personally, which is compounded by a need for more fosters and non-foster volunteers. I haven’t found a method or venue to bring more help into the group. 

But meanwhile, we’ve saved 70 cats this year! 

We need fosters, but most people say: “I could never foster, I couldn’t give them up!”. We foster in order to save cats and kittens; we can’t save cats and kittens unless we make room for the next one by getting them adopted. Ask yourself what are you trying to accomplish and act accordingly. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been easier with the experience that I have gained with other rescues. I don’t have to do as much research as a less experienced person would. 

But it’s early, we don’t have a financial safety net yet and I’m constantly looking for ways to raise funds to build it. 

The next big risk is the lack of volunteers, particularly for the non-fostering tasks. Right now, I handle pretty much everything… Pay bills, social media, administer medical, record keep, coordinate adoption events, and on and on. And as noted before, this isn’t my “real” job. I’m not sure how long I can carry everything. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In relation to this article, it’s about my volunteering with cats. I’m fascinated by the shelter medicine aspect of rescue. I try to keep up with the latest research on the common medical issues in cat rescue through webinars, networking, FB group conversations, monitoring the key websites on the topics. 

I maintain a FB group with about 700 members targeted to intermediate cat and kitten fosters. There I share info, answer questions, and group participation is encouraged. 

I mentioned earlier that I started my journey volunteering at the low-cost spay/neuter clinics. At the beginning, I sat at a table, watching cats recovering from anesthesia. 

By February of 2020 (after that, the clinics were shut down because of Covid), I was coordinating all the volunteers and their roles. The clinics were fully staffed with volunteers, including the doctors, with the exception of 2 paid employees. I coordinated about 45 volunteers each clinic. Their roles included monitoring recovering cats, administering vaccines and worming, assisting in surgery, prepping for surgery, cage cleaning, and more (including the surgery itself). 

Our largest clinic within the last couple years, 114 cats and kittens were altered on a Sunday between 8 am and 4 pm. 

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Those of us in Cat and Kitten rescue are passionate on many topics. If I could wish something away it would be declawing. It’s incredibly inhumane and will destroy your cat or kitten. 

If you are ever provided the opportunity to vote on the topic, please vote against declawing! 

Pricing:

• Adoption Fee for Kittens $125-$150
• Adoption Fee for Cats (greater than 1 year) $100-$125

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.catspawjamas.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cats_pawjamas_rescue_society/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatsPawjamas/

Image Credits
Michelle DePrima