Corner Brook woman finds homes for more than 250 cats

A woman in Corner Brook is doing her part to keep stray animals off the streets. Nikkie Marsden runs Kitty Academy Rescue from her house, and over the last few years she's managed to rescue and find homes for 250 cats. 

Though Marsden has helped all sorts of animals over the years, she primarily takes in kittens and cats due to the high number of strays in the area.

"A lot of people don't realize how big of a need for it there is," Marsden said about the number of homeless cats. 

There's no sign of the need slowing down anytime soon. Marsden said she's already found homes for more than 20 kittens this spring.

Marsden runs Kitty Academy Rescue on her own time and does so without any financial support.

She admits it's a lot for one person to take on but over the years has found some helpful people to cut down on some of the work — including fundraising. 

Marsden relies on fundraisers to help with the costs that come with looking after so many animals.

"It's definitely like thousands of dollars a year." 

Marsden said making sure every animal in her care is spayed or neutered is the biggest expense, but there are other things that add up. 

"Providing all the food, litter, de-worming ... everything from litter boxes to toys. Everything is pretty pricey."

Marsden has a cozy room in her house that's dedicated to the animals she's looking after.

Besides felines, Marsden has looked after dogs, bunnies, rats, wild birds and other small animals. 

She hopes to inspire more people to get involved in any way they can.

"I just want to do what I can to make a difference while I can."

Marsden is looking for some donations and construction materials to start an expansion of Kitty Academy Rescue which she plans to move to her basement so the animals can have more space.