FUR cats treated to story time

Although cats seem to be able to entertain themselves easily, they also need fun time that includes interaction with people. Megan Hauser, long-time volunteer for Feline Urgent Rescue of WNC, (FUR) has found a way to entertain the cats, sometimes one on one, and to also quietly enjoy herself among 80+ cats housed at the FUR sanctuary.

“My mother took my sister and me to the library as children,” said Hauser. “We both love reading and have favorite books from our childhood.  One of mine was ‘The Color of Kittens’ and that’s the one I usually read to the cats.”

Hauser will sit on the floor in the loft of the sanctuary with a book until at least one of the cats strolls over to see what she’s doing.  As Hauser starts to read, the cats usually come closer to sit and listen.  “I enjoy giving them some extra attention, as some have been through difficult circumstances,” she added.

Cats held in her lap enjoy the sound of Hauser’s voice and the colorful pictures on the pages.

Hauser found out about FUR from an article in a newspaper when it was still in the STAR barn.  “I was thrilled to know that our community had a feline rescue,” Hauser continued, “and was excited to begin volunteering.”

Hauser graduated from East Carolina University and works as a public health educator. She is employed by Haywood County and is active at the First Baptist Church in Waynesville.

The FUR sanctuary is a 2,600 square foot, State-Certified Shelter constructed through donations and volunteers. The sanctuary sits on 3.5 acres in Waynesville where rescued cats can free-­roam in a two story haven.

FUR relies on donations and volunteers to care for the displaced cats in foster care and at the sanctuary.

Megan Hauser reads to Tommy, a FUR resident.

Photo by Scott Maclay