COTB By the Numbers: 40 Cats Year to Date

Since the beginning of the year, COTB has achieved yet another milestone with 40 cats rescued or fixed-and-returned to their colonies along Myrtle Beach’s shoreline.

Founder and president Laurie Paterson and her husband Ron, have been rescuing, trapping, neutering and returning (TNR) Myrtle Beach’s “cutest tourist traps” to their colonies since November 2025. Over those last 11 months, COTB helped nearly 70 cats.

Laurie and Ron have made it their mission to reduce the burgeoning population of unwanted felines at the boardwalk and beyond. This includes finding them vet care when needed, of which the city’s stretched-thin duo of animal-control officers are not always aware. The officers’ TNR runs are focused on city property, while Laurie supplements their efforts by trapping on private property.

“The support of the community has been awesome,” Laurie says, noting without their support she would not be able to continue the mission at its current pace. Passersby will often ask the couple “what are you doing?” when spotted at the beach with cages and food. “That’s the opportunity to educate the public,” Laurie happily adds.

To assist COTB with the ongoing mission to TNR cats and rescue kittens, please click to volunteer, foster/adopt, Donate or buy a COTB t-shirt, which also supports efforts.