The ‘Purrfect’ combination: Ouachita Parish electronic repair store fixes tech products and cats

OUACHITA PARISH (KTVE/KARD) – A local tech store is combating the stray cat population in Ouachita Parish by taking in cats and kittens. On The Geaux Repair focuses on fixing electronic products and also fixes felines.

Store owner Brooke McQuillin works double duty at her repair store, caring for cats and kittens brought in by community members and servicing customers of the electronic repair store. KTVE/KARD spoke to Mquillin about what inspired her to turn her electronic repair shop into a feline-friendly store.

We had a friend reach out and was like hey, can you take these cats. They were in this hoarding situation they’re going to have to go to the pound. That little heart of mine, I was like yea I’ll take them. So then those cats got adopted to some customers of ours and then that just kind of grew.

Brooke McQuillin, Owner | On The Geaux Repair

When cats are brought to McQuillin, they are taken to the repair stores’ West Monroe or Monroe locations. There, the animals can roam the stores in view of customers, giving them an opportunity to meet their forever home. Mquillin told KTVE/KARD more about the intake process.

When we get a cat in we try to make sure that they’re separated, you know, until we can make sure they get their shots. But we also team up with sending them out to Shreveport to get fixed.

Brooke McQuillin, Owner | On The Geaux Repair

Cats at the store are also microchipped before being rehomed. According to McQuillin, providing vetting and proper care for the numerous felines costs hundreds of dollars monthly. Currently, both McQuillin and her husband are funding the rescues out of pocket. The pair does accept donations via Venmo, @OnTheGeauxRepair, through the in-store tip jar, or with a purchase of a special phone accessory.

We have cases that we sale for ten dollars, you know, to help with our funds of getting them fixed and you know cat food litter, treats, toys, you know, the whole set up.

Brooke McQuillin, Owner | On The Geaux Repair

McQuillin stated that she is looking to team up with a local veterinarian to get the animals vetted and a local vendor to create the custom phone cases used to fund the rescues.

Saturday, July 13, 2024, On The Geaux Repair will host its first-ever adoption day. For those looking to adopt a cat, there is an $80 rehoming fee that ensures the felines go to a good home.