The Riviera Woman is extremely proud and delighted to feature Leslie Frasier as the final 'Woman of the Month' for 2014. Since creating her association 'Les Chats du Mercantour' in 2006 Leslie has dealt with almost 2000 cats, mostly in villages overrun by stray cats but also an increasing number of abandoned cats put up for adoption (around 80 per year).
She also this year rescued over 30 cats from wasting away in an over-crowded shelter.

Leslie’s passion for helping animals and their owners goes beyond just cats. She has created a haven for old donkeys, a pony, a mule as well as the cats. She also works closely with a dog-rescue centre.

Visit her website www.leschatsdumercantour.com to see how all this good work is done, and to see the documentary about her aired on French National television in 2011.

There are many ways to help, like sponsoring (cat or donkey!), fostering, adopting or becoming a member of her association. Please contact her via the website, or email: leschatsdumercantour@orange.fr or call +33 (0)6 18 94 35 76 for more info.

To raise much needed funds there will be a tombola draw on December 23rd. Really great prizes, which you can see on the website. If you would like to help this worthy cause by buying or selling tickets, please let her know.

www.leschatsdumercantour.com
leschatsdumercantour@orange.fr
+33 (0)6 18 94 35 76

We asked Leslie our famous 5 little questions and this is how she replied:

1) What makes you smile?

Looking out my window and seeing the cats running around and chasing each other and climbing up the trees, seeing the donkeys, mule and pony against the stunning background of the mountains in the Mercantour.  It’s a lot of work having this cat charity and taking care of this place and the animals but it’s sure worth it.

2) What or who inspires you?

I’m inspired when people say that I’m really making a difference in this part of the world by making it a better place for animals and the people around them. Having an association that promotes the sterilization of cats in the mountain villages is really a lot of hard work but I’m inspired to continue when people support what I do.

3) Do you believe in gut instincts? 

Absolutely.

4) Your three essential things if you were stuck on a dessert island would be what?

Three good books.

5) If you are planning a day/night out, what do you enjoy doing the most?

Just having nothing to do, it happens so rarely.  I enjoy just lazing around with the animals or if I find myself on the coast, just taking my time and enjoy this beautiful part of the world I live in.  Certainly forgetting I have a telephone that doesn’t stop ringing!

Leslie Frasier