Feral Cat Colonies, now mostly senior cats
Donation protected
14 years ago, I established 3 TNR feral cat colonies, originally supporting over 50 cats. There are now 21 very senior felines. Cat food has tripled and vet visits are and going to be more frequent.
Over these years, I have invested over $82,000 of personal / retirement resources to the welfare of felines.
These are TNR cats which means they are humanely trapped, fixed, veterinarian treated and then released. Ferals tend to live 3-5 years, unable to reproduce. By a harmless clipped ear tip, they are identified and then eligible for protection under animal cruelty laws.
Unfortunately, I have provided very well for the colonies, so much so, that some of the resident cats are turning 12 years old!!!
There is a tendency for the colonies to unpredictably grow, through domestic abandonment (Grey Kitty) unexpected drop offs, new unfixed strays and managed consolidation.
Since I expected my colonies to just naturally dissolve, I didn't plan to invest the money and resources that are mounting for the care of these lovable "community pets".
I need help! (Covid 19 has 1/2 my income)
I have TNRed over 100 cats. It's important to understand that this is not a hobby, but rather more of a community service. No doubt you need to have an affinity for felines, but the value of preventing the birth of perhaps (if you do the math) 1000s of kittens and consider the impact on any populated area.
For instance, wild ferals can carry diseases such as rabies and be aggressive to domestic indoor/outdoor cats.
TNR is the responsible answer to this. The cats are vaccinated, fixed and become much more docile in their free roam area. They are also great at pest control since they are on 24/7 rodent patrol!
My story is not unique. This is a growing underground predicament. Unmanaged, unfixed feral cats are mostly nocturnal and they can multiply rapidly. If not managed, they are often deemed a nuisance, caught and euthanized or chased and abused. Kittens born and dying unnecessarily.
Many good people are saving, controlling and providing an opportunity for these cats to have some assemblance of a cared for life.
I am part of the Hunterdon County Community Cat Coalition, but the group is more an information and "help if I can" organization. There is no formal financial backing. Tabby's Place has been a helpful institution to many of us, but also has limited resources.
It's important to use natural housing and clever techniques to keep colonies cohesive. They won't just live in a cardboard box. The care of these cats goes beyond dumping a box of Meow Mix in a bowl. They receive very nutritious meals, shelters, feeding stations, straw for bedding and walkways, Veterinarian visits and lots of TLC time!
They do seem to like their constructed habitats… I haven't had a single runaway!
Unfortunately, I will lose some to predators, untreatable diseases and natural causes.
I am vigilant for new strays on an 11 mile stretch that the colonies border on.
The combined costs of these efforts exceeds $6000 a year.
Please consider donations to this cause. Raised funds will go 100% to the cats and their welfare.
Organizer
John Feddersen
Organizer
Flemington, NJ