Shelter Jessica - Cats

Shelter "Jessica" history:

Association "Help Animals" has established a shelter for cats and dogs "Riska" in 2000., and you can read more about it under Shelter "Riska" - Dogs.

In the same year, 16 cats were also placed on that location. Number of cats was growing during the time. Consequently, in 2004., there were already 74 cats in the shelter. Number of workers who took care of the animals did not grow, due to our incapacity to provide salaries. Furthermore, area where the cats lived became too small, and their lives were at constant threat as a consequence of lack of care due to small number of workers, lack of space, constant noise made by dogs in the shelter, and as the most important factor, open possibility for developing bad hygiene conditions in cats area and therefore for their possible illnesses.       

Mrs. Zlata Korjenić, the President of "Help Animals" Association, in 2005. decided to separate cats from dogs. Therefore, she redesigned a part of her house into the area suitable for cats, 150 m² of interior space and a cage attached to the house, 200 m² of exterior space. (look at the photos)

Shelter "Jessica" today:

At present moment, already 91 cats are living in this area, and it has become crowded as well. Therefore, we have to use again the space in dog shelter "Riska", where there are presently 24 cats. We are doing our best to keep them in good shape.  

How Shelter "Jessica" got a name:

Jessica, a favorite of Mrs. Zlata Korjenić, died on May 26^th 2007. In her memory the cat shelter was named "Jessica". Who was actually named after sexy character Jessica Rabbit in the famous cartoon "Who framed the Roger Rabbit", by the kids when she was a kitten.

Cats in Serbia today:

Cats are extremely endangered animals in Serbia. There is not a single registered cat shelter, there are no programs aimed to solve the problem of ’pyramid multiplication’ of cats, there is no willingness by the official institutions to take part in solving of these problems. Citizens are not being educated regarding this issues, and their present knowledge is very poor.  Cats are being cruelly killed by stray dogs, they are constantly being poisoned by people who put, upon their own initiative, all kinds of harmful chemicals in cellars of residential blocks, new born kittens are being drowned in water or put into plastic bags and thrown into garbage containers. Furthermore, there are numerous prejudices about cats among local people which makes their hard living even more tragic.    

The Law on Animal Welfare of the Republic of Serbia offers no hope for these beautiful and mighty creatures. Unfortunately, for now, this Law is nothing more than a political masquerade on animals account.

If you want to help cats from our shelter, we will be very grateful. Please read: "How to help".... 

Thank you very much!

Please, look at the Shelter "Jessica" photos - inside. This is the place where cats live during the winter and when the weather conditions are bad (Click to view full image):