Trap Neuter Vaccinate and Return of Feral Cats

At the ripe age of 67, I've decided to help feral and stray cats and kittens. My name is Donna and I live in a small town in Southwest Virginia. For the past 2 years I've trapped; neutered (or spayed); vaccinated and returned (TNR) feral and stray cats to their place of dwelling or when possible, found forever homes for them. The work is backbreaking and physically painful, but necessary. I couldn't do less after the situations I see with people and cats. Those who contact me report caterwauling; spraying; the horrific smell of urine and feces and nighttime catfights that wake them. I'm trying to STOP the multiplying of cats. To date, I've touched the lives of 39 cats and kittens in Southwest Virginia without any losses.

The most rewarding experience was trapping 3 kittens just over a year ago WITHOUT any training or prior experience - I depend a lot on YouTube videos! Once I trapped them, I posted fliers in restaurants and shops. I received an inquiry and 2 months later, after I had dedicated much time and love to these 3 kittens - socializing them to humans, they were all adopted together. I have the pleasure of cat-sitting for them from time to time.

Most recently an impoverished mother of 3 called to tell me about the cat problem in her neighborhood. I went and was shocked. I counted 30 cats and 14 kittens (newborns and a few weeks old). Some of the kittens aren't doing well and sadly, I don't have the knowledge or expertise to help them. The ones that survive I'll take into my home in the next week or 2 or 3 to socialize for adoption. That's the nice part.

The reason that I'm reaching out is that I need some financial support to continue mitigating this situation & those that pop-up in the future (& they will pop-up!). Each adult cat that I trap I transport to the local low-cost Spay and Neuter Clinic. Each surgery costs me $35 after a small subsidy from a local animal rescue group. I choose to vaccinate them which adds $45, a total of $70

. Typically, the person who calls me and requests the trapping, spaying and neutering should pay, particularly since I'm doing the work, but many can't afford it. I've been paying out of pocket b/c the people that have called me cannot afford any of these costs. I use my savings.

In addition to the spay & neuter costs, I pick up and deliver cat food to an 80-year-old man to whom these cats belong. In preparation for rescuing the 3 litters of kittens, I need to buy specific supplies for their survival. I'm even learning how to bottle feed 2-week old kittens.

Here is what I do:

If you'd like to sponsor the spaying or neutering of any amount of these cats, I would be humbled and grateful. I do this work on my own without any other outside help. Please let me know if you can help me. I, myself, am surviving on a fixed income that is considered 'low-income'. I do this for the cats and in memory of, and for my beloved Sara who died 6 years ago - for whom I still mourn. SHE would be proud of me. SHE would tell me "Good job, Mom".