ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A Facebook group of neighbors, who simply loved their cats, emerged into an organization known as The Asheville Cat Weirdos. 

 

What You Need To Know 

A Facebook group of neighbors who loved their cats emerged into an organization: The Asheville Cat Weirdos

On Sept. 13, the ACW pantry helped 21 families and 75 cats 

The number of people joining continues to grow and grow, all driven by people who love cats

 

A shared love for one furry animal is what keeps this group growing and giving. 

“Today alone we are helping 21 people, 21 families and 75 cats,” ACW Member Annie McDonald said.

Around 17,000 group members later, the ACW has its own emergency fund and a frequent pantry.

Michelle Cox helps host these pantries for pet parents who are in need of food, medicine and litter. 

“I saw the group on Facebook and thought I'll join this. Since then, it’s been craziness, but I love it,” Cox said. 

More people have been calling, and their numbers are at the highest they have seen yet. Each item ACW provides in their pantry is donation-based. They hold the pantries at the Thrift Hound in Asheville and distribute based on an online application process.

The donation drop off locations include Zen Ink, Asheville Pet Supply, Ivory Road Cafe & Kitchen, Lakeview Putt and Play, LLC and Cutting Edge Salon Fletcher N.C. 

“There have been times in my life where I haven't been able to provide enough for my own cats, so now as an adult, I wanna give back to people that also need help,” ACW Member Christina Dorsett said. 

This is part of what keeps Cox and the group volunteering the second Tuesday and fourth Saturday of every month. 

“Making people feel better that they can keep their pets that they’ve loved for so long and still be able to feed them,” Cox said.

As the number of cats assisted grows, so does the group. McDonald says there are about 10 to 15 people trying to join the Facebook group each day.