FCCO Spay/Neuter Clinics for Feral and Stray Cats

The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (FCCO) helped 6,195 cats in 2017! It is incredible what we can do together to improve the lives of cats in our communities. We are truly grateful for our donors and volunteers, and are inspired constantly by the caregivers who see a cat in need and take action to help.

Greg H. warmed our hearts with his story of his two feral cats:

My wife Kimberly and I first noticed a black cat about four years ago. His hair was matted, he was scared, and he was very thin. He hung around our backyard near the compost area. I began to throw small bits of meat, cheese or any protein that was going to be thrown away/composted into the back yard when I saw him. He would run anytime he saw me or even heard my footsteps. But eventually he understood that food was coming and he would hang around a bit more, though the only way we could see him was to sneak a peek through our curtains.

No one in the neighborhood knew anything about this cat. He was at least semi-feral so I decided to start feeding him regularly, as did my neighbor, John, in hopes we could try and help him get used to humans. At first it took time but he would learn where the covered food dish was and came regularly to eat. No longer was he willing to eat small bits of cheese or the gristle from a steak; he now had hard dry food and he was hooked.

At about this time another stray started to come by. This one, an orange tabby, was also scared and thin. The two cats were constantly fighting. We knew this situation could not continue, so when I saw FCCO's advertisement for a free spay/neuter special I immediately took the opportunity to get two traps. Both cats were safely caught. It was time for naming: Bear, Bear and Dr. Orange.

I dropped off the cats the next morning at FCCO and that same afternoon I was able to pick them up and let them go once they were ready. During the next two years both the cats have become larger, healthier and more socialized.

Bear, Bear now allows my neighbor, John, to pet him - but only John and only until he decides he is done, then he darts away. He will come within a few feet of Kimberly and me, and has even come into the house a few times, but he beats a hasty retreat when he detects any movement or sound.

Dr. Orange is more standoffish, but he will allow you to come within five feet of him, with food and if he is not wanting to leave the comfort of the cat bed on the front porch.

Both cats now live in peaceful coexistence. They have numerous covered and dry areas to escape the extreme weather. We hope to have both become inside cats one day but until that time, if it comes, we will continue the process of socialization.

This story would not have ended the way it has without the great people at FCCO and the wonderful work they do, as evidenced by the lives these two cats now enjoy.

We at FCCO know that socializing feral cats is a labor of love, and we are consistently touched by the commitment caregivers like Greg, Kimberly, and John make to improve their feral cats' lives while waiting (hoping) for the day when the cats outwardly show their appreciation.

Links:

• Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon