Cats catch a ride

LIHUE — Romeo is getting a new lease on life, courtesy of the Kauai Sea Scouts.

“They’re heading to the Oakland Cat Town Cafe,” said Judy Dalton of the Kauai Community Cat Project on Thursday at the Lihue Airport. “Oakland Cat Town Cafe is one of the original cat cafes where people can spend some time with cats who were scheduled to be put down. Romeo is very friendly and should have no problem making friends, there.”

Romeo is one of three cats traveling with the Sea Scouts led by Commodore Larry Richardson who are heading to Vallejo, California, to participate in the Ancient Mariner Regatta.

“It’s great that we can help save the lives of these animals,” Richardson said. “Transferring these animals gives them a better chance at getting adopted. It’s also a good opportunity for the kids to do a good turn while raising public awareness about the transfer program.”

Dalton said the Oakland Cat Town Cafe takes in cats scheduled to be put down.

The cats, cowering in their respective cages while awaiting the check-in procedure, drew attention from passengers awaiting their check-in at the Alaska Airlines counter, several stopping to peer into the cages while others gave some attention to Romeo, who rubbed and meowed at the front of his cage.

This is the second year, the regatta-bound scouts are bringing over animals needing adoption. Last year, the scouts traveled with three dogs from the Kauai Humane Society who needed to get to California for adoption.

“The fact that it was dogs last year, and now cats is kind of an interesting circumstance,” Richardson said. “I didn’t plan it that way. I simply contacted all of the on-island rescue groups, and the Kauai Community Cat Project was the one that called back.”

The Sea Scouts, including the new West Kauai unit, Ship 12, Kia‘iokekai, will be competing in the largest Sea Scout event over the Memorial Day weekend at the California Maritime Academy.