The organization's main focus is to to trap. neuter and return cats. This means that both stray and feral cats already living outdoors are humanely trapped, sterilized and marked for identification. The group oversees care for some 600 to 700 cats a year, many of which are just unfortunate cast-offs. They do not accept giveaways despite the half dozen calls received daily.

Operated as an open shelter, where the cats are free to roam about and interact with each other, the four legged residents enjoy all the comforts of a home within the confines of an upscale shed. Cats "R" Us also is a no-kill facility. Cats remain as long as it takes for them to become acquainted with domestic living arrangements and find a permanent home. Some 250 cats were adopted last year.

All that care and attention requires time, effort and personal sacrifices on the part of the caregivers. For Mr Wilkinson. the "job" is really a special calling. His efforts with cat rescue came about much earlier in life.

For the man whose license plate reads, AnyCat, he was often given to bringing strays home. He recounted his first rescue while serving in the Navy in a patrol squadron in the Philippines. He returned to the States with the cat, who lived out the remainder of his life in the care of Mr. Wilkinson before crossing the "rainbow bridge."

His rescues escalated over the years to include caring for a feral colony near his job site at the Naval Research Center. That was in 1965. He's cared for countless cats, mostly spending his own finances to secure necessary veterinary care and nutrition

Cats "R" Us came into the picture about six years ago as a result of reading an article in The Capital about the rescue of a rather large feral colony in the Bay Ridge area of Annapolis, Maryland that was living behind the Mexican Cafe. The rescue was made by like minded people who had already linked together to form the nonprofit organization. Soon after contacting the group, he joined forces and is now vice-president and a board member.

He emotionally comments that joining forces was a way to "maintain my sanity." Cat rescue is an all-consuming thing." He also hopes to one day expand the shelter's capacity and to draft additional volunteers into service, streamlining services and efforts.

"Find out what you do best and specialize," he said of volunteer service. "It's very rewarding."

Mr Wilkinson is compassion-ate, kind. generous and very diplomatic." said Jeanne Lesko, founder and president of Cats "R" Us. "He's very generous with his time."

Mr Wilkinson also was winner of Cat Fancy magazine's Shelter Workers Who Shine In November 2003, an honor for which he was nominated by Mrs. Lesko

When asked why he feels concern for cats he said, "I do it because of the animals. Every cat that we help has been failed by a human. (The cats) started as pet or ancestor or offspring of a household cat."

When not caring for cats 24/7, Mr. Wilkinson works part time at Tipton Airfield in operations. He also lives with "five good friends" as he calls his four-legged roommates.

Individual adoption fees are $110 ($180 for two) and include spaying or neutering, an evaluation by a veterinarian and the proper vaccines, de worming and flea treatments. Cats "R' Us can be reached by calling 410-263-1719; by email at MsKittyMeow3ujuno.com; or at Cats "R" Us,
20 Sandstone Court, Unit F
Annapolis, MD 21403