A Safe Home For A Feral Cat Colony

Community cats. Feral cats. Strays. 

Whatever you want to call them, the definition is the same: domesticated cats living outside in a group. 

I've been a veterinary assistant for 10 years and for the past 6 I've been an active kitten foster parent for a local rescue. Cats are my specialty and they always have been. I have the expertise and I love to share my knowledge with others whenever I can and I feel as if it is my responsibility to do so. If you have a talent, share it with the world, right?

In the past two years, my family and I have become the caregivers to a colony of cats. We moved from the busy surburban life of Durham to the middle of nowhere. One evening, while on a walk, my sister and I discovered a group of cats living on a nearby property. Upon looking into the situation we were told their origin story. They were once a part of many cats living in the house on the property. The resident had recently been evicted, leaving the house in unsanitary condition. Approximately 20 cats were left to the outside world, where they formed their own colony. The property owners were generous enough to allow them to stay, cutting holes in the many aging outbuildings to provide shelter. However, it was difficult for them to provide regular food, water, or vet care.

Upon learning of my resources, they were happy to have me help the cats and allow them to stay on the property. For the next year, with the help of my rescue's feral cat program and one generous veterinarian friend, all the cats were spayed/neutered and vaccinated. A few of the cats had to be euthanized due to the level of disease. However, many others were still in good shape. 

Over the past two years, we've grown to love these cats. We pay for their food out of pocket. The property owners provide straw every winter and occasional cash to pay for their food. My rescue donates a small amount towards any required vet care. 

However, despite starting off with a healthy group of about 18, we're down to just 12. We've lost cats to cars, loose dogs, coyotes, and other unknown reasons--not to mention occasionally being surrounded by large farm equipment. The numbers are dropping fast and in just 2 weeks, we lost two of the nicest, most affectionate cats in the group. These cats all have names, which they respond to. They all have individual personalities. They play with us and look forward to our company. They all once came from a home and just want to receive love from us (if we're on the property, they follow us wherever we go). It's becoming increasingly difficult not to think about the danger they are in every day. 

(Cinderfoot)

This is where my campaign comes in. I am looking into moving these cats onto our land (36 acres) and building a large enclosure as well as a secure building for shelter. These cats have had a difficult life and deserve to live the rest of their lives in safety. We would sleep better at night and no longer have to regularly dig graves. I can't help every needy cat in the world, but I'm going to do everything possible to help the ones I can.  

I've done research on fencing and have found the following company: 

http://purrfectfence.com/

They offer discounts to rescues/vet professionals, the products are American made, and the business owners are a family. The fence supplies are designed to last despite weather and time. Should damage occur due to severe weather, they will supply discounted replacement parts. In my research, this seems to be the best option. 

The price to purchase the proper amount of fencing: ~$1800

It will be approximately $500 for us to build a shed (from the ground up) for their shelter. 

We're not rich. We already put so much into the care of these cats and this amount of money is just too much for us. We've no choice but to reach out and request help from others in the community. Any donated amount is greatly appreciated and goes a long way towards giving our guys a safe home. If we manage to reach our goal, then all extra donations go directly towards their food and vet care. At least two of the cats are in need of dental extractions, but we simply can't afford it. 

We are so very grateful for any and all assistance. Even if you can't donate PLEASE share!! We want to reach as many people as possible! 


(Clockwise: Greystripe, Squeaker, Pounce, Coontail, Morris, Wendy (RIP), and Specks)