Animal Welfare Committee Gathering Donations for Homeless Cat Needing Eye Surgery

Animal Control Officer Vivian Cooper noticed a blue reflection in the eyes of a stray cat she picked up in early November. Having seen that before, she immediately suspected that Smudge the cat needed cataract surgery.

The cataract removal and lens implementation, as well as follow-up checks and medication, will come to about $3,500, Cooper said. The Animal Welfare Committee has raised about $500 of that so far.

Cooper said the longer it takes to get the money, the worse Smudge's sight gets and the chance increases for glaucoma and other problems. The hope is that after the surgery, Smudge will be a more desirable candidate for adoption.

To donate, make a check out to the "City of College Park" with "Smudge Fund" in the memo line, and call Cooper at 240-375-3165 for more information.