FCCO Spay/Neuter Clinics for Feral and Stray Cats

Andy, a dedicated caregiver, sent the following story of his experience with the feral cat colony he feeds:

During the summer of 2004 I started doing TNR (trap-neuter-return) work at a field in Salem. The first of many kitties I trapped was “Herman,” who was neutered and then returned to the same field.

I had realized that something really needed to be done because I saw many kitties in the field so I built a feeding station that provided a safe, dry and clean place for them to eat and also provided a convenient location to place a trap.

Over the years I watched Herman in the field and every time I saw him it made me smile. There seemed to be a special bond that had not yet been completed. Eventually I noticed that Herman had paired up with a silver tabby and they seemed inseparable.

One day in 2007, three years after I started caring for these cats, I saw Herman sitting on the feeding station tapping his paw as if to say, “You are late and where is my food?” He started showing signs of wanting a real home and somebody to love him.

A week later, he and “Timmy,” the silver tabby, came home with me and have been here ever since.

Because of your donations we are able to help dedicated caregivers like Andy spay/neuter the cats he feeds. He is commited to these cats, but wanted to prevent future generations of feral cats born in fields and on the streets. 

Links:

• Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon

Weighing in at 19 pounds, “Chuck” appeared far from malnourished when he showed up on Judi Y.’s Oregon City property, so she contacted her neighbors trying to find his home. Unable to find one, she let him settle in at what used to be her barn, but what she now affectionately calls her her “cat house,” which is complete with bales of hay and heat lamps.

Having brought three other cats from her colony to FCCO this past fall, Judi knew what to do. She was happy to feed Chuck but he needed to be neutered and vaccinated. After being released back at the cat house following his visit FCCO, Chuck took off — but after a few days he returned to stay (and ate happily).

When Chuck first showed up, colony leader “Stash” and the others looked at him with concern, but Judi says they don’t fight and now will not be able to grow their colony through reproduction.

Donations to the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon support our spay/neuter services so that they can always be available to caregivers wanting to help the cats who just show up looking for food and a home. Thank you!