Cat Man of Russellville: Todd County couple spends every day caring for Logan County’s stray cats
RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. — Around Russellville, many people know Charlie Robertson by one nickname: the Cat Man.
But for Charlie and his wife, Mary Nell, caring for stray cats isn’t about a nickname—it’s a daily commitment they’ve kept for nearly a decade.
The Todd County couple makes the drive into Logan County every day, seven days a week, bringing food and fresh water to cat colonies scattered throughout the area. Even during snow, rain and ice storms, the Robertsons say they don’t miss a day.
Their final stop each day has earned a fitting name of its own: Cat Town, where dozens of cats gather as the couple arrives with food.
Charlie, 82, and Mary Nell, 77, estimate they feed around 80 cats each day, while also helping socialize cats that are ready for adoption.
Their work is supported by community donations and organizations including the Logan County Humane Society, Best Friends Animal Rescue, Champion Petfoods in Auburn, Tractor Supply, Walmart customers and other community members who donate food, supplies and money to keep the effort going.
Julie Martin, president of the Logan County Humane Society’s Board of Directors, said the Robertsons have become an invaluable part of the county’s animal welfare efforts.
“Charlie and Mary Nell are amazing pearls of this community,” Martin said. “They live in a completely different county, and yet they take the time, the effort, the energy and the love that they have, and they come down to Logan County to help the cats and the dogs of Logan County. I don’t know what we would do without them.”
The Humane Society works closely with the Robertsons by providing food, dog houses, spay and neuter opportunities and adoption assistance whenever space becomes available.
Martin said their daily route also highlights a much larger issue facing Logan County—an overwhelming population of stray and feral cats.
To better understand the scope of the problem, the Humane Society is creating a countywide map of cat colonies. Martin said the goal is to identify where colonies exist so local leaders can better understand the need for additional spay and neuter resources and other long-term solutions.
“Everybody sees a few cats running around on their street, and they have no idea that that is every single street in the county,” Martin said.
Beyond feeding cats, Charlie has also repaired hundreds of dog houses over the years, many of which are used to provide shelter for outdoor animals throughout the community.
Despite being 82 years old, Charlie says he plans to continue caring for the colonies as long as he can.
“I don’t know how long I can do this,” he said. “I’m 82.”
For the Robertsons, the work has never been about recognition.
It’s about making sure every hungry cat they can reach has food, water and someone looking out for them.
Those who would like to support Charlie and Mary Nell’s efforts can make donations through the Logan County Humane Society or contact the couple through their Facebook page or community partners.
