Little Mittens Animal Rescue started out just like many other small rescues – with the love, passion, and determination of a couple of animal lovers, committed to the well-being of our furry friends and solving a community-wide problem.
Since 2009, Executive Director, Alannah Knapp, Diane Slater and the volunteer team have been rescuing stray and feral cats and kittens. For the first 2 years, the cat rescue was run out of their respective homes. They came together, all recognizing the severity of the ever growing stray/feral cat problem in Golden and it’s surrounding areas, and decided it was time for someone to commit to doing something about it. And so the Little Mittens Animal Rescue Association began.
In May of 2011, Little Mittens Animal Rescue was formally recognized as a non-profit organization. Fundraising efforts allowed us to build a temporary shelter, and begin the Trap-Neuter-Release Program.
Thanks to community support, we are continuing to grow and expand our operations. We have a wonderful group of volunteers that dedicate countless hours and energy into taking control of this problem and making a difference!
The Issue
As many in our community are well aware, there was a large and growing stray/feral cat problem in Golden and the surrounding areas. These cats were taking over certain areas of town and private property, causing nuisance and property damage, spreading disease, and community dissatisfaction. The problem would only get bigger if nothing is done to control it. Little Mittens has made great strides in reducing the number of feral cats through Trap, Neuter, Return but it is a service that needs to continue.
There is a difference between stray and feral cats. Stray cats are or were someone’s pet at one time or another. They are those who once had a home, who have either been left on the streets, gone missing, or ended up without owners/pet parents for one reason or another. Feral cats, on the other hand, are those descended from stray cats, who have been born in the wild and have not had any human contact. Domestic cats are not naturally wild animals – when people abandon them they are forced into becoming wild as a result of human irresponsibility, or unfortunate circumstances. With our ever increasing transient population, we are seeing more domestic cats abandoned or surrendered than ever before.
A feral cat problem is a human problem and a community problem. The first step in controlling this issue is for pet owners to spay and neuter their pets as soon as possible. Animals have a natural instinct to procreate, so as soon as they are able, you better believe they will be out on the prowl. One female cat can have up to 5 litters a year, consisting of anywhere from 1-6+ kittens each time. So that’s potentially 5-30 kittens a year, birthed by ONE feral cat. Those kittens can then have their own kittens at as early as 4 months old. You can see how this problem can grow to be out of control in a very small amount of time, without the necessary community intervention.
Little Mittens is dedicated to being the front-runner in getting this issue under control.
Mission & Goals
To help control the over-population of feral cats and kittens due to continuous breeding
To help stop the disease transmission between feral cats, house cats and kittens
To help control the loss of native wildlife, particularly birds
Control the nuisance issues involving unwanted cats on private property
Find homes for cats and kittens living on the streets
To provide shelter and care for homeless animals
To rescue and provide homes for other domestic animals
To rescue, rehabilitate and release wild small mammals and birds
Little Mittens Animal Rescue Association
Our Story
Our Story
Little Mittens Animal Rescue started out just like many other small rescues – with the love, passion, and determination of a couple of animal lovers, committed to the well-being of our furry friends and solving a community-wide problem.
Since 2009, Executive Director, Alannah Knapp, Diane Slater and the volunteer team have been rescuing stray and feral cats and kittens. For the first 2 years, the cat rescue was run out of their respective homes. They came together, all recognizing the severity of the ever growing stray/feral cat problem in Golden and it’s surrounding areas, and decided it was time for someone to commit to doing something about it. And so the Little Mittens Animal Rescue Association began.
In May of 2011, Little Mittens Animal Rescue was formally recognized as a non-profit organization. Fundraising efforts allowed us to build a temporary shelter, and begin the Trap-Neuter-Release Program.
Thanks to community support, we are continuing to grow and expand our operations. We have a wonderful group of volunteers that dedicate countless hours and energy into taking control of this problem and making a difference!
The Issue
As many in our community are well aware, there was a large and growing stray/feral cat problem in Golden and the surrounding areas. These cats were taking over certain areas of town and private property, causing nuisance and property damage, spreading disease, and community dissatisfaction. The problem would only get bigger if nothing is done to control it. Little Mittens has made great strides in reducing the number of feral cats through Trap, Neuter, Return but it is a service that needs to continue.
There is a difference between stray and feral cats. Stray cats are or were someone’s pet at one time or another. They are those who once had a home, who have either been left on the streets, gone missing, or ended up without owners/pet parents for one reason or another. Feral cats, on the other hand, are those descended from stray cats, who have been born in the wild and have not had any human contact. Domestic cats are not naturally wild animals – when people abandon them they are forced into becoming wild as a result of human irresponsibility, or unfortunate circumstances. With our ever increasing transient population, we are seeing more domestic cats abandoned or surrendered than ever before.
A feral cat problem is a human problem and a community problem. The first step in controlling this issue is for pet owners to spay and neuter their pets as soon as possible. Animals have a natural instinct to procreate, so as soon as they are able, you better believe they will be out on the prowl. One female cat can have up to 5 litters a year, consisting of anywhere from 1-6+ kittens each time. So that’s potentially 5-30 kittens a year, birthed by ONE feral cat. Those kittens can then have their own kittens at as early as 4 months old. You can see how this problem can grow to be out of control in a very small amount of time, without the necessary community intervention.
Little Mittens is dedicated to being the front-runner in getting this issue under control.
Mission & Goals
Board of Directors
Alannah Knapp – Executive Director
Nicole Gangnon - Board Chair
Jamie Crawford – Treasurer
Sylvia Verhaeghe – Vice Chair
Karen Wilson - Director
Hilary Dorst - Secretary
Stephanie Baran - Director