Today is National Feral Cat Day which is a day meant to remind us all that Trap-Neuter-Return and other humane programs for feral cats are in the best interest of the cats and the community. As much as we wish all kitties had furever homes, there are cats that look like us but they are afraid of humans so they live their lives outside in colonies.
The issue of feral cats is very near and dear to our hearts because the alley behind our mommy and daddy's first house was home to many feral cats. Of course Mommy befriended several of them and even named the ones who came around most often - Bandit, Levi and Spook! Levi was even brave enough to come into their house but didn't want to be touched very much. Two of the kitties who came before us, Reebok and Panther, were actually orphaned feral kitties that Mommy found in the alley and raised from the bottle into adulthood. Mommy and Daddy lost Reebok to cancer in 2001 and Panther was 18 years old when she passed away in 2006.
What we've learned from the information provided by Alley Cat Allies is that if anyone had taken those feral cats into a non-no kill shelter thinking they were helping the cats by getting them off the streets, there would be virtually no chance of adoption and the cats would be killed. The reason being is that shelters handle adoptable cats and one that is afraid of humans certainly doesn't fit that criteria.
We just want to spread the word and let people know that feral cats do not belong in animal shelters. If you come across some feral kitties that you want to help, please check out Alley Cat Allies for information. Together we can educate others about the need for Trap-Neuter-Return programs to reduce the cat population and keep feral cats out of shelters.
Together we can make a difference and save lives!
The issue of feral cats is very near and dear to our hearts because the alley behind our mommy and daddy's first house was home to many feral cats. Of course Mommy befriended several of them and even named the ones who came around most often - Bandit, Levi and Spook! Levi was even brave enough to come into their house but didn't want to be touched very much. Two of the kitties who came before us, Reebok and Panther, were actually orphaned feral kitties that Mommy found in the alley and raised from the bottle into adulthood. Mommy and Daddy lost Reebok to cancer in 2001 and Panther was 18 years old when she passed away in 2006.
What we've learned from the information provided by Alley Cat Allies is that if anyone had taken those feral cats into a non-no kill shelter thinking they were helping the cats by getting them off the streets, there would be virtually no chance of adoption and the cats would be killed. The reason being is that shelters handle adoptable cats and one that is afraid of humans certainly doesn't fit that criteria.We just want to spread the word and let people know that feral cats do not belong in animal shelters. If you come across some feral kitties that you want to help, please check out Alley Cat Allies for information. Together we can educate others about the need for Trap-Neuter-Return programs to reduce the cat population and keep feral cats out of shelters.
Together we can make a difference and save lives!
24 comments:
A brilliant post my friends, and what a sweet kitty Panther was.
Thanks for the great post! Please remember to stop by my blog - I'm having a commenthon for a local group that helps ferals and strays!
wow, I never knew all that. thanks for sharing that information!
Wonderful post and that website is packed with information. Thanks for showing that to us.
Have a great day.
pawhugs, Max
A wonderful post !
In some places on Sweden they have started with Trap/Neuter/Return projects and we think that is good !
Panter was a very cute looking cat !
Have a pawsome sunday !
Very good information Sharla. I had a neighbor that use to do just that. She would take them to the vet and have them fixed and then release.Some would stay around and others would leave.
What you say about feral cats taken to the shelters being unadoptable makes lots of sense. TNR programs are the best solution.
A wonderful and informative post. I will head over and check out Alley Cat Allies
That is one terrific post you three girls. It is so true about feral cats will be killed at a shelter that isn't a no-kill shelter. That is one reason I have so many cats here. One thing that I didn't put in my post was that if you can catch the kittens of a feral Momma, they can be tamed and socialized too if in the right situration. It just takes patience. Usually, the feral mom will hide the kittens though. Thanks for the really good post.
There's so many sweet kitties that don't have a home. It makes me sad.
xo Catherine
Thank you for the great post. We hope this helps educate non-cat people! We can make a difference!
I've been reading a lot about this so I think I won't try to make Sammy an indoor cat - I don't think it would work out but I will continue to make sure there is food and water...
Perfect timing for my situation by the house. Thank you sharing.
Thanks for a very informative post! I don't know much about feral cats ... but I know I'd want to help them!!!
Play bows,
Zim
We are all formerly feral here at The Lounge. Humans need to get us spayed and neutered!
Our little Scouty is still mostly feral, but he is very much a member of the household--his only rule is "no touching", otherwise he's happy to hang out, play, and just be a Cat.
Such a sweet post and wonderful reminder! My mom adopted 3 homeless kitties (2 of which were feral) and they are such sweethearts. They're so happy and affectionate now too.
Many of the cats we've had have been feral kitties we tamed down and raised from birth :)
You make a very good point of shelters not being a good place for ferals.
We read a lot about feral cats and wondered about them. Thanks for sharing this info with us. We don't see any around here, but it is good info to have to pass along.
Happy Sunday.
Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
What a great post for National Feral Cat Day! Our mom knew when she caught Zoey that if she had taken her to a shelter (which was one of the things suggested to her at the time), there would have been no way Zoey would have been adoptable, and more than likely, Zoey wouldn't be here today.
I learned something. I did not know that a no-kill shelter would kill the ferals. Poor babies. That makes mommy so saddened.
Mommy read too fast. Me'n'her are sorries we read wrongly. xxoo
Thanks for the information about this important issue!
Thanks for this post! We need to spread the word far and wide. On our side of the world, we have more and more independant groups cropping up and are very much into spreading the importance of neutering. And these groups also do fund raising to help get these feral cats (and stray dogs) neutered. It helps too that we have vets that offer rescue rates for these animals.
two paws up for a great & informative post!!!!
HAPPY MONDAY SHARLA!
Post a Comment