West Hollywood has done things other cities haven’t. Banned the sale of fur. Banned cat declawing. Banned the retail sale of live animals. Elected a cat as Pet Mayor. The City has put its name on animal welfare more than once.
A true WeHo boots-on-the-ground organization is doing just that, day in and day out. West Hollywood Community Cats runs WeHo’s Trap-Neuter-Return program, placing cats that can’t survive outdoors into permanent homes. Local residents Renee Sotile and Mary Jo Godges built it from scratch back in May 2023 after the City had nothing in place. The Council declared an official Community Cats Day in their honor.
Right now, they have a cat named Buttons. He showed up on a West Hollywood street and asked strangers for help until one stayed. West Hollywood Community Cats got the call and came. He is vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. He needs to be an only cat.
He’s been waiting. Here’s what he’d tell you if he could.
In His Own Words
”I don’t really understand what happened.
One day I had a place. Then I didn’t. I came out from the bushes because I didn’t know what else to do. I rolled over. I reached out. I followed everyone who walked by. I ran toward the road when they kept going.
I know that wasn’t smart. I just didn’t want to be alone anymore.
A young woman spotted me. She stayed with me on the sidewalk until West Hollywood Community Cats arrived. That was everything.
When they picked me up I had scars I couldn’t explain. They took care of that. Now I sit on my foster’s lap while she works. I don’t move much. I think I’m scared if I do, something will change.
I’m not looking for a lot. A lap. A window. Someone who comes home.
I love people. I just need to be the only cat — one place, one family, no competition for the spot I’ve been waiting to fill.
I’m vaccinated. I’m neutered. I’m microchipped.
I’ve done my part.”
To give Buttons a forever home, please contact West Hollywood Community Cats at WestHollywoodCommunityCats@gmail.com and follow them on Facebook.
Aw. Thanks Renee.
Thank you for sharing Button’s story. He loves to eat (like me) and loves pets (like me too) 😽 Please reach out if interested.