Tawni Marcil was deeply concerned about the fate of the feral cats living at the pulp mill where she is employed when news broke that the facility in Crofton, B.C., was shutting down, leading to 350 workers losing their jobs. For years, the mill has been home to a group of feral cats that have been cared for by the workers, including Marcil, who sees them as beloved companions. Despite facing uncertainty about her own future, Marcil has been collaborating with local cat rescue groups to capture the mill cats, relocate them, and find them new homes.
The Crofton mill has been in operation for 68 years and has a history of accommodating hundreds of cats, although the population has decreased over time due to trap-neuter-release programs. Marcil, who has worked at the mill for 12 years, took over the care of the cats when the previous caretaker retired. The effort to look after the cats has become a routine task for her and other mill workers, creating a strong bond between them and the felines.
With the closure of the mill, Foster Kritters Feral Cat Rescue has successfully trapped most of the cats with Marcil’s assistance. These elderly cats, aged between 12 to 18 years old, require medical attention, including dental work, which has been covered through local fundraising efforts. While the community faces financial challenges following the mill’s closure, people have shown generosity in supporting the cats’ well-being.
One fortunate cat, Wasabi, has already found a new home with retired instrument mechanic Elliot Cole, who cared for him during his time at the mill. Cole took immediate action to adopt Wasabi once he learned about the mill’s closure and has been providing a comfortable environment for the cat to adjust to his new life indoors. Cole’s dedication to Wasabi’s well-being is evident as he ensures a smooth transition for the feline in his new surroundings.
As the mill winds down its operations over the next few months, Marcil finds solace in knowing that the cats will be taken care of. Despite the challenges brought by the closure, she remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the importance of moving forward.