Orphaned Long Branch Cats Need Your Help

LONG BRANCH - For years, Jimmy Rimo made it his mission take care of the stray cats of Long Branch.

He fed them. He loved them. He had some of them neutered and even took five of them into his home after their outside neighborhood became uninhabitable. He was their savior.

But Jimmy Rimo died in an accident on Nov. 23 when his car went off a bulkhead and landed in Manhassett Creek. He tried to swim back to shore, but didn't make it.

And the kitties he took such good care of are "scared, confused and grieving the loss of the only human they trusted," said Ruth Rapkin, a member of the Eatontown-based nonprofit group MEOW Inc.

Jimmy's cats will need a new home, and soon. And the group members are hoping someone will open their hearts to the cats he left behind.

"These cats bonded to Jimmy and we anticipate will bond to a new caregiver over time," according to the group's Facebook page. "But they can not and would not survive in an animal shelter environment. You are their only hope. Please consider honoring Jimmy's memory by inviting one or more of his cats to join your home."

The middle-aged cats face a grim future if they are not adopted - either a shelter, where they would probably be euthanized or a short life out in the cold.

Anyone who wants to help doesn't have to take all five of Jimmy's cats - taking a pair or even one will help, Rapkin said.

"They promise to be no trouble and aren't asking for much, just a safe haven to live out their remaining years," she said. "There is no societal safety net for these cats - only euthanasia. But you can offer them life. I promise if you open your heart to these cats and accept them for who they are , they will come to love you as they loved Jimmy and you will come to love them."

Rescue efforts are being coordinate through MEOW Inc. For info please call 732-241-4913 or message them on Facebook.

Photos: Courtesy of MEOW Inc.