Funding for Feral/Community Cats--I became involved in spaying and neutering untamed, unowned cats with my mother back in the 1990's. We took care of many cats over the years. Those cats are gone now and I thought my feral days were behind me until some new cats started popping up about 10 months ago. In the last 9 months alone, I have had 24 cats altered and caught 1 that someone else had already taken care of (by recognizing the universal ear tip) and let her go. Feral cats are a huge worldwide problem. Solving the problem is sadly a rather "underground" operation, is not high profile enough, and there are severely limited resources. The solution begins with all property owners being aware of our collective responsibility to these animals and our surroundings. I was thinking maybe inserts with everyone's property tax bills with general awareness information and contacts to resources? Besides Napa Humane, the only other option is Animal Fix Clinic (formerly Fix Our Ferals) in Richmond, an independent non-profit organization offering services for both owned pets and ferals. These places are always fully booked. Regular vets are not a logical option-WAY too expensive and of the mindset of trying to treat them like regular pets. On top of that, ideally no one should have to pay for altering a community cat as we are doing a public service. If we had a clinic similar to these two in American Canyon, along with all property owners being made aware and given the ability to come in regardless of financial status, we could take huge steps in stopping the reproduction of these animals. A clinic here would be very much used and appreciated.
Feral Cats-possible funding. I think education is imperative and the city can provide that easily on their website. I do not have cats but I have been TNR’ing and adopting out Ferals for about 5 years now. I was totally unaware of the breeding practices of cats-danger/fighting, rapid birthing rate, female cats harmed during breeding, overpopulation problem and how to solve it.
It would be great to utilize some of the ARPA funds to have an informative city website post, trap rentals, an annual or bi-annual community presentation for residents to be encouraged and obtain information on spay/neuter/feral cats/etc, Feral cat information including rehabilitation (They can be rehabilitated and adopted out as I have done so). Funding availability for cat food, shelters, and medical for those TNR’ing/caring for Ferals (It’s expensive!). Feral cat information pamphlets at the City Hall, funding for medical, a push for all cats over 4 months to be spayed/neutered. On the city website a section for those needing assistance for their cat colony’s, putting together a group wanted/needed for TNR can post asking for volunteers.
Cats get out and they roam and they are driven to breed so spay and neutering are very important. Sanitation and community/cat health are also a big issue when dealing with the cats. Please consider some of what I have shared. With the increase of cats resources run slim to none the cats starve, become sick, and some die creating more issues.
Funding for Feral/Community Cats--I became involved in spaying and neutering untamed, unowned cats with my mother back in the 1990's. We took care of many cats over the years. Those cats are gone now and I thought my feral days were behind me until some new cats started popping up about 10 months ago. In the last 9 months alone, I have had 24 cats altered and caught 1 that someone else had already taken care of (by recognizing the universal ear tip) and let her go. Feral cats are a huge worldwide problem. Solving the problem is sadly a rather "underground" operation, is not high profile enough, and there are severely limited resources. The solution begins with all property owners being aware of our collective responsibility to these animals and our surroundings. I was thinking maybe inserts with everyone's property tax bills with general awareness information and contacts to resources? Besides Napa Humane, the only other option is Animal Fix Clinic (formerly Fix Our Ferals) in Richmond, an independent non-profit organization offering services for both owned pets and ferals. These places are always fully booked. Regular vets are not a logical option-WAY too expensive and of the mindset of trying to treat them like regular pets. On top of that, ideally no one should have to pay for altering a community cat as we are doing a public service. If we had a clinic similar to these two in American Canyon, along with all property owners being made aware and given the ability to come in regardless of financial status, we could take huge steps in stopping the reproduction of these animals. A clinic here would be very much used and appreciated.
Feral Cats-possible funding. I think education is imperative and the city can provide that easily on their website. I do not have cats but I have been TNR’ing and adopting out Ferals for about 5 years now. I was totally unaware of the breeding practices of cats-danger/fighting, rapid birthing rate, female cats harmed during breeding, overpopulation problem and how to solve it.
It would be great to utilize some of the ARPA funds to have an informative city website post, trap rentals, an annual or bi-annual community presentation for residents to be encouraged and obtain information on spay/neuter/feral cats/etc, Feral cat information including rehabilitation (They can be rehabilitated and adopted out as I have done so). Funding availability for cat food, shelters, and medical for those TNR’ing/caring for Ferals (It’s expensive!). Feral cat information pamphlets at the City Hall, funding for medical, a push for all cats over 4 months to be spayed/neutered. On the city website a section for those needing assistance for their cat colony’s, putting together a group wanted/needed for TNR can post asking for volunteers.
Cats get out and they roam and they are driven to breed so spay and neutering are very important. Sanitation and community/cat health are also a big issue when dealing with the cats. Please consider some of what I have shared. With the increase of cats resources run slim to none the cats starve, become sick, and some die creating more issues.