Feral Cats Need Love Too

The number of animals euthanized each year could be dramatically reduced if more people chose to adopt rather than buy from breeders. When you adopt a dog or cat, you’re not only giving a deserving animal a loving home—you’re also opening valuable shelter or rescue space for another animal that may desperately need help.

Adoption is also often far more affordable than purchasing from a breeder. Most reputable shelters and rescue organizations provide initial vaccinations, basic veterinary testing, and spay or neuter services before an animal is adopted. Adoption fees help offset only a small portion of the cost of providing this care.

Since 2016, my rescue alone has TNR’d—trapped, neutered, and returned—more than 200 adult cats, and we have successfully placed 160 kittens into adoptive homes. Every one of those successes required time, effort, resources, and people willing to get involved.

Trapping community cats is not as simple as setting out a trap and walking away. It can be a time-consuming process, and trapping the cat or kittens is only the beginning. There must also be a plan for what happens afterward. Who will transport them? Where will they recover? Who will foster kittens if necessary? Who will help with feeding, veterinary care, and finding homes?

If you are asking a rescue or volunteer for help, please be willing to be part of the solution. You are much more likely to find someone willing to assist with trapping, resources, and guidance when you are also willing to participate in the work. Rescue organizations and volunteers are often already stretched to their limits, and it simply isn’t sustainable to expect someone else to take complete responsibility for every situation.

I am always willing to help when I can, but I need a commitment from the person asking for assistance as well. Rescue is a partnership. If we each do our part, we can save far more animals and make a much greater difference in our communities.