HELP ME SURVIVE KITTEN SEASON!

Melanie Parker is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Several good friends have encouraged me to set one of these up, so here goes...

I never set out to work in cat rescue. I live near an industrial area where cats are dumped a lot, and they just started walking up to the house. At last count, there have been 15 and I have gotten them all fixed.

Some have been feral, and I have trapped, neutered and released them (TNR). I have socialized some and gotten them adopted into loving homes. I've personally housed as many as I can, both inside and out. I can either fix the adults or else be swarmed with kittens, many of whom will be in rough shape.

Each year brings a fresh wave of tomcats, all duking it out to be king of kitten season. The mamas with fragile kittens are right behind them. I am committed to spaying or neutering every cat that comes to my yard (or that I help someone trap in their yard) so that the feral population can be controlled instead of euthanized in shelters (they are all full) or suffering life on the streets.

There are vet bills. TNR spay/neuter surgery fees currently range from $30-$50, depending on where there are available appointments. Recently, retired community tomcat Romeo was attacked by a feral tom and had to have his head stitched up ($580, before suture removal). I also keep up with yearly vaccination and registration.

Another feral tom has already shown up (I will be TNRing him immediately) and I just heard about another group of cats that were dumped nearby, so I'll be seeing them soon. I can not afford to do this on my own, but I will rise to the challenge of trapping them all and keep the population in check with your help. Your donations will pay for:

Spay/neuter fees for cats and vet costs for Romeo's injury
A humane cat trap (I have been borrowing traps, and sometimes miss catches that way)
Gas to and from spay/neuter appointments and vet visits
Food for trap bait and recovering cats from surgery/fosters
Supplies (sanitation, etc.)

I am happy to show receipts to anyone who contributes. Thank you for your time, attention, and kind donations. They are greatly appreciated.

Best Regards,

Melanie

P.S. For those who have asked, I am 100% open to creating a nonprofit to expand rescue and population control in my area. I already know of colonies that need help. It will take more funds and a little time. If this fundraiser exceeds its goal, I will look into doing that. Thanks again!

P.P.S. I am editing the goal because we have received so much wonderful support. Thank you all so much! I will continue to post photographs!