I have spent the last six years caring for a feral cat colony, practicing TNRF—trapping, neutering, returning, and feeding these cats to give them a safe and healthy life. Recently, new animal shelter laws in my area changed everything. My feral colony was counted with my house cats, and I received a citation for not having a cattery license. Despite several attempts to get licensed and meetings with Wildomar city hall and the chief of Animal Friends, I was turned down because my property is just under the required size. As part of the deal with the chief, we built a cat enclosure with a patio to keep the cats from roaming, but only the tipped ones were allowed in there. I was told that if I didn’t rehome my fixed, tipped cats, they would be trapped and taken to the shelter, which sadly means death for a feral cat. I am the only caretaker who can touch and hold these cats, and losing them would be heartbreaking.

With my daughter’s help, I was forced to sell my property, but we still need more support to finish this move and save the cats. The funds will go directly toward transportation, carriers, air-conditioned vehicles, potty pads, and gas for the six-hour drive to a cat-friendly state. This will ensure the safety and comfort of my cats, who have already endured so much. The shelter is making me trap cats that aren’t fixed and give them up, which means they won’t survive. I know and love these cats, and this situation has taken a toll on me, my cats, and my family for over six months.

If you practice TNRF, please check with your animal shelter to make sure they support you. It’s devastating to lose animals, and I’ve already had to give up beloved pet roosters. Any help to save these cats and support our move is deeply appreciated. Thank you for caring and for standing with us during this difficult time.