As freezing temperatures settled over Austin, Meow Mates volunteers stepped up, navigating slippery paths and biting winds, determined to ensure campus cats are not left to face winter alone.
Meow Mates is a student-run organization caring for about 50 stray cats across campus. Volunteers feed cats 4-5 times a week, manage a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program and work to place cats into adoption. However, icy conditions made carrying out responsibilities challenging.
“I almost fell a couple of times, but it’s still something that we had to do,” said Juan Guerra, electrical and computer engineering junior and Meow Mates member. “We really care for them, … it’s not a chore. It’s something we like doing for them.”
Because many feeders don’t live on campus, traveling during icy conditions proved dangerous. Despite hazards, skipping feedings was not an option.
“If we didn’t do it, no one else would have,” Guerra said. “They still have to eat, especially in this cold weather. We didn’t want to leave them (for) three days without food.”
Evan Baerwaldt, neuroscience sophomore and member of Meow Mates, said he felt deeply moved after witnessing the dedication of volunteers.
“(The cats are) all super well taken care of,” Baerwaldt said. “Even the cats that normally people would give away because they don’t have that ‘perfect’ face … It’s motivating for me (to see) people dedicating their lives to making these cats live in a better place.”
Meow Mates volunteers encountered a case of abandonment when they came across Peaches, a domesticated cat left on campus a week before the winter storm.
“It’s a lot more common than people think,” said Brooke Davis, psychology junior and Meow Mates director of public relations. “He was an older cat, so his chances of survival probably weren’t super high.”
Due to Peaches’ friendly nature, volunteers were able to intervene quickly. Davis fostered him for two weeks, keeping him warm through the storm and developing a bond.
“He’s probably the friendliest cat you’ll ever meet,” Davis said. “You’ll pet him a little bit (and) he’s immediately purring. … It was only a couple of hours (before) he was (laying) in bed with me.”
Due to Davis’ busy schedule, Peaches transferred to another foster home. Peaches received veterinary care and is now up for adoption.
“I was so sad when I let him go,” Davis said. “That’s what every foster feels. You’re heartbroken, but you’re also happy for them, because they’re right where they need to be.”
When severe weather hits, the responsibility for volunteers extends beyond obligation. By providing for cats weekly, students develop meaningful bonds with them.
“We really love these cats,” said Catherine Covarrubiaz, government and Mexican American & Latina/o studies sophomore and Meow Mates feeding director. “They’re not just strays that have no name or face — we know their (personalities).”
Peaches is one of many cats cared for by UT students. Covarrubiaz recalled Domino, affectionately known as “King Domino,” an iconic cat of campus culture until his passing in 2022.
“Not just in UT, (but) in most universities with an abundance of campus cats, they add a memorable moment (to) students’ lives,” Covarrubiaz said. “Many graduates still remember Domino because he was very famous and very well loved and taken care of. I think a lot of people have their own Domino.”
