Stray cats get new haven

“Cats that socialize are a lot happier,” she said. “They stay healthy and have a lot less stress and bond to the right person.”

Dozens of volunteers, staff members and donors browsed the facility during Tuesday’s grand opening. Most cooed at the kittens and praised the shelter for its furnished cattery, though at least one visitor said the shelter should do more for the caged animals.

Silvia Terrones, a 96-year-old El Sereno resident who has been volunteering at the shelter for more than 30 years, said officials should install shelves inside cages to give cats a more playful atmosphere or move more to the cattery.

“This is a lot better than what it used to be, but I can’t stand to see cats confined like this,” she said. “It bothers me.”

Horowitz said she will install up to two shelves in each cage, adding, however, that the temporary resting spots are not permanent locations.

“The shelves will give them more relief, more personal space,” she said. “But in an ideal world, this would be temporary.”

 JEREMY OBERSTEIN covers business, politics and the foothills. He may be reached at (818) 637-3215 or by e-mail at jeremy.oberstein@latimes.com.