president's messageCommunity Cats Need Your Help!
What a night I had back in August when I participated in my first feral cat mass trapping. The skill and dedication of the Operation Cat volunteers truly inspired me. ARF’s Operation Cat program relies on volunteers to identify feral cats, trap them using humane traps, and then care for the colony once it has been neutered. This is the proven, humane way to reduce the numbers and suffering of these cats. While the cats are under anesthesia, the veterinarian vaccinates them against rabies and distemper. A small corner of the left ear is removed which identifies the cat to caretakers, health officials, neighbors and others as having been neutered. This is a universal system---used all over the world. Kittens born in the wild, if caught before 8-9 weeks, can be safely tamed and put up for adoption. This is an important step in breaking the feral cat cycle. If you come to ARF, you can meet some of the adorable kittens that have been rescued through the Op Cat program. They are the lucky ones and can look forward to a life filled with love in a warm home, while their less fortunate feral parents must live in a colony. Good colony caretaking helps reduce cat suffering. Volunteers monitor each colony and provide food and water on a daily basis. Snow, rain or sleet will not keep the volunteers away. The Op Cat program was able to increase the amount of dry cat food it distributes to colony caretakers by 30% this year, thanks to the Drukier Family Foundation Challenge Grant and all of you who responded this summer. I am thrilled to report that we exceeded the challenge grant and raised a total of $33,000 for the food distribution program. Recently, we’ve been referring to feral cats as “community cats,” in that they are a product of and therefore a responsibility of each community. Your responsibility to Op Cat is to always neuter your pet cats and keep them safely inside. The feral cat cycle is started when intact pet cats escape or are abandoned. If you see stray or “community” cats, report them immediately to ARF. Two cats can become a colony before you know it. Sincerely, |
Dear ARF Members,
