Feral cat spay and neuter project, central Phoenix
Donation protected
The summer of 2023 brought an unprecedented heatwave to the desert southwest and the rest of the world. Phoenix, AZ experienced the longest stretch of days in their recorded weather history where the nighttime temperature never dropped below 90 degrees. During the day temperatures soared well past 110 degrees, setting new records there as well. Humans and animals alike were suffering.
A particularly hard-hit population was the Phoenix feral cat community. The number of feral cats in Phoenix continues to grow as these animals lack contact and socialization with humans. Additionally, extreme temperatures put these animals in dire circumstances. On any given day, dehydrated and emaciated cats lay strewn across front yards and in alleys, too tired to struggle to shelter.
One such morning, when we let the dogs out of the house and into the fenced backyard, we discovered that a mama cat had moved her five new baby kittens into the shelter of our patio. Poor mama was skinny, hungry and thirsty but trying very hard to take care of her brood. Five little mouths were quite literally sucking her dry. We cordoned off mama and her babies so the dogs wouldn’t bother them and provided food and water for the new mother. We watched as she gratefully gobbled up the provisions. Seeing her gratitude, we were moved to put down dry food and water for the other cats seeking shelter in the front yard. Suddenly we were feeding around 20 cats! All now have names and show up regularly for food and water. Most are very skittish and wary of human contact. But a few have allowed themselves to be petted, and in at least one case, to be held. But make no mistake, these are wild, feral cats. If captured and taken to shelters they would be euthanized.
Our plan is to trap, neuter and release them. Of all the cats we are feeding only one had a notched ear indicating that it had already been neutered. We have captured and neutered four more male cats and released them successfully. But this isn’t cheap. At a little over $60 per cat we need help. We are happy to let them live out their lives in our backyard once they have been neutered. But 17 cats is as many as we can deal with. We have the traps, will do the work to trap, transport, care for and release when appropriate. If you are moved by the plight of these animals who struggle to survive and would like to help us to see that they live their best lives, please make a contribution today.
Thank you.
Participating Feline Friends:
Toni
Pilar
Inez
Keith
Kevin
Violet
Orlando
Emily
Sebastian Cat Butt (He’s a very big boy.)
Silvio
Sammy
Armand
Buff Orpington
Pippin
Todd
Hercule Poirot (With the ½ the famous mustache)
Organizer
Mary Lou Simmelink
Organizer
Phoenix, AZ