Local sanctuary adopts cats to fill empty spaces

In-Sync Exotics recently adopted more cats after many of their cages were left empty due to a canine distemper problem that plagued the sanctuary late last year.

In-Sync adopted three cougars and 10 tigers from the Caruth Wildlife Foundation.

Vicky Keahey, the owner of In-Sync Exotics, has mixed emotions on the adoption of the new cats and the addition to her feline family.

“The cats needed to be rehomed and cared for,” Keahey said. “It’s kind of sweet and sour to take in new cats. I’m excited to fill up the open empty spaces and sad that the spaces were empty and left behind by the passing of our other cats.”

Jessica Benfield is a junior who volunteers at In-Sync. As a child she visited often and could not wait to turn 16 so she could volunteer. For the first three months she worked with the dead meat to feed the animals but now Benfield gets inside the cages to clean and interact with the cats.

“I’m extremely excited to have these new cats after we lost so many over the summer,” Benfield said. “It’s sad but it’s exciting.”

Last year the sanctuary lost a total of seven exotic cats due to canine distemper. In preparation to adopting their new cats, the adoptees were vaccinated with a canine vaccine.

“There really isn’t a lot that can be done to protect them [the cats] from canine distemper,” Keahey said. “There is no vaccine for tigers and the only one that is really safe isn’t being made at this time.”

Many of the cats being adopted are under weight and need a lot of special attention.

“I’m excited to see them on grass, gain some much needed weight and to learn to trust us,” Keahey said. “It will be hard to get them to trust us and learn that we are here for them.”

The next event for In-Sync Exotics is their Easter Egg Hunt April 20, the Sunday before Easter.

The new cats at In-Sync Exotics have medical problems that will cost a lot in vet bills.

Donate and help In-Sync Exotics on http://www.igive.com/welcome/lp7/cr41c.cfm or http://my.fundraising.com/GroupPage.aspx?gredirection=1&e=1005246.

For more information visit www.insyncexotics.com or call Vicky Keahey at 972-442-6888.

“Any and all help would be much appreciated,” Keahey said.