September 23, 2005

The Cat Connection, a southeast Michigan animal rescue group, is seeking new families for cats and kittens that lost their homes due to Hurricane Katrina.

The cats were given up by owners who could no longer care for them, said Jill Orcutt of Wixom, a shelter volunteer.

Volunteers from many local rescue groups have brought back nearly 100 animals from two trips to the gulf area.

Cat Connection has taken most of the cats. All will be neutered before they are released for adoption. There is a $125 fee for inoculations and veterinary work, Orcutt said.

Call 248-975-7999 or go to www.catconnection.org.

Available now:

•Bayou, a 5-6-year-old Himalayan mix male.

•Cajun, a 3-4-month-old orange tabby shorthair.

Available next week:

•Audora, a dilute patch female, Biloxi, a grey tabby male, and Bourbon, a black male. All are shorthairs and 3-4 months old.

•Bernard, a 4-5-month-old black and white shorthair male.

•Delacroix, a brown tabby; Jefferson, a black and white cat, and Metairie, a black cat, all males and 5 months old.

•Katrina, a calico, and her 6-week-old brown tabby kittens, Jambalaya and Gumbo, males, and Creole, a female.

•Louie, a black-and-white male, 5 months old.

Compiled by Nancy Chipman Powers and Marcia Abramson

Cat Connection needs more volunteers to help care for cats and kittens, and cash donations for veterinary care and supplies. Donations may be sent to Cat Connection, P.O. Box 721215, Berkley 48072.