Asbury Park boardwalk cats in need of new homes
Cats living under the Asbury Park boardwalk won't be left out in the cold this winter.

The staff of Madison Marquette, the Asbury Park oceanfront redevelopment firm, has initiated a campaign to rescue and rehabilitate all of the Asbury Park boardwalk cats and put them up for adoption, according to a press release.

Michael Walker, creative director of the firm's Asbury Park project; Irene Mottola, the wife of Gary Mottola, who is the CEO of Madison Marquette Investments; and Debbie DeLisa, of the Wonder Bar, which is across the street from the boardwalk, are leading the cat rescue effort.

"We estimate that 40 to 50 cats are currently living on the boardwalk," Walker said. "The cats are carefully being rounded up and brought to the SPCA [Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals], where they'll undergo an extreme makeover to prepare them for adoption."

Once the cats are bathed, examined, neutered, and given their shots and any needed medications, they get a collar that states "I'm an Asbury Park boardwalk cat" and a special Asbury Park name, according to the press release.

Adriatic, Bam Bam, Bruce, Lance and Tillie were the first felines rescued, treated and taken to the Madison Marquette facilities,

where they will be cared for until their adoption process is completed.

"They're living in the lap of luxury at Madison Marquette," Walker said.

Madison Marquette, which is a national real estate developer headquartered in Washington, D.C., with local offices in Philadelphia and New York, is covering all the costs associated with the rescue project and giving ongoing care to cats that are unsuitable for adoption, according to the press release.

To make sure the cats go to loving and permanent homes, all prospective adopting parties have to undergo an application interview with Mrs. Mottola, according to the press release.

DeLisa held frequent fundraising events in support of the animal-friendly cause and continues to work to spur individuals and public officials in taking action to prevent cruelty to animals.

Photos of the Asbury Park boardwalk cats are being displayed at the Grand Arcade on the boardwalk between Convention Hall and the Paramount Theatre, which is open Thursday through Sunday.

Those interested in learning more about adopting one of the Asbury Park cats should call Ashley at (732) 897-6500.