Paws for Love
Cats in Crisis
February 2026 Issue
By Lesley Kyle
Photography by Lindsay Pettinicchi Photography, LLC
It’s no secret that a lot of homeless cats live in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. A long-time resident of both counties, Jamie Pinckney, has encountered too many cats to count over the years. While many cat colonies are tended to daily by dedicated volunteers who feed, water, and seek medical care for those cats, there are many others not as fortunate. Those are the cats existing behind restaurants, dumpsters, convenience stores, and hotels. They rely on food dropped by strangers or can be found digging in dumpsters for their next meal. “These are the cats that break my heart,” said Jamie. “We try, but we don’t always see all of them.”
Jamie spent 41 years working in area elementary schools. Now retired, her heartfelt hobby of tending to Jasper County’s homeless cats has become a full-time job. Jamie feeds more than 45 cats twice daily at four locations, a task that takes up several hours of her day. She spends several more hours each week vetting, transporting, and finding shelter and new homes for homeless cats.
Jamie also traps kittens and cats and takes them to SNAC, the spay/neuter animal clinic of Beaufort County Animal Shelter/Hilton Head Humane for rabies vaccinations and spay/neuter procedures. The cats are then returned to the areas where they were found. The process is called TNR, or trap, neuter, return, but Jamie does her best to find homes for the kittens. “I do this because dogs and cats do not choose to be homeless,” said Jamie. “They were wronged by a human being at some point in their lives. I do this because their lives matter to me.”
The pet overpopulation epidemic is not limited to our area. “We are amidst a nationwide crisis of abandoned cats and dogs,” said Sherree Capello of Salty Paws of the Lowcountry, a new, all-volunteer nonprofit launched in November 2025. “Some cats are feral, and others are abandoned pets with nowhere else to go.” Co-founded and led by Sherree and Carolyn Schroeder, Salty Paws of the Lowcountry works with local animal welfare organizations, rescue groups, veterinarians, and community partners who share a commitment to humane feral cat management and population control. “It takes a village to save our abandoned animals,” said Sherree. “County and local shelters generally operate at maximum capacity, so Salty Paws alleviates some of their burden.”
Both Jamie and Sherree want our community and visitors to know they can play important roles in improving the lives of feral and abandoned cats. “Responsible pet ownership is key,” said Jamie. “Spay and neuter your pets and encourage friends and neighbors to do the same.”
Support for TNR efforts will also help reduce the cat population. Community members can participate in TNR initiatives by reporting feral/abandoned cats and new colonies, allowing colonies to remain on their property when possible, and avoiding unregulated feeding that contributes to population growth. “With understanding, cooperation, and compassion, we can work together to control overpopulation and ensure these cats live healthier, safer lives with far less suffering,” added Sherree.
This is no small task to tackle, but efforts are underway, and resources are available. Without the support of the volunteer army that lovingly commits time to these cats, many would not survive.
“By working together and preventing unwanted litters through the free spay and neuter clinic, we are making a difference- one cat at a time,” said Jamie. As Salty Paws continues to grow, it plans to have the resources to accept adoptable cats at all times. Fundraising for a brick-and-mortar space that will allow Salty Paws to expand its reach is underway. “Residents do want to help,” said Sherree. “They just don’t always know how.”
How can you help? “Volunteer at your local shelters and rescues” suggested Jamie. “They are doing their best to keep up, but helping with laundry and socializing semi-feral kittens to help them get adopted is a huge help.” Sherree encourages people to reach out for support when they encounter a stray or feral cat. While one may assume a cat is a stray or feral, it may be someone’s cherished pet out for a stroll. “Pause and assess the situation, and observe the animal from a distance,” advised Sherree. “Contact Salty Paws or other local animal services for guidance on next steps.” Rescue groups and animal services authorities deal with these situations daily and are best positioned to help animals in need—and you.
Up Close:
Greatest Needs: Volunteers, funding, and community awareness, including support for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs and colony care. Average Feral Cat Lifespan: Seven+ years, but TNR and proper care can extend a cat’s lifespan significantly.
Interesting Feral Cat Story: A Department of National Resources Officer nearly arrested Jamie for trapping cats at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, but instead issued a warning. She now has a permit to trap at the Refuge.
Cat Colony Surprise: Jamie once caught two kittens in the same trap.
Who Can Help: Residents, visitors, volunteers, donors, and anyone willing to report colony sightings, support TNR, and spread the word about humane feral cat management.
Salty Paws of the Lowcountry: www.saltypaws-lowcountry.com