Alley Cat Allies is my “go-to” agency for feral cat information. Actually, just about any other cat-related information! Because they have it all! I’ve been a member of this organization for several decades. Incidentally, they’re the first agency who took a serious interest in and pushed for the “fixing”of stray and feral cats. READ MORE CAT INFORMATION!
What does Alley Cat Allies Do?
Therefore, one of the prime goals is to reduce the number of stray and feral cats. The best solution is Trap/Neuter/Return. Consequently, the homeowners who have taken a TNR class or trained volunteers humanely trap the cats. Incidentally, Veterinarians who work with those groups offer reduced fees. Different pet stores often fund the surgeries. Most stores have charitable foundations. By the way, the city of San Antonio offers free surgeries to “community cats;” all you need is a voucher for each cat and an appointment. Moreover, ACA produced the video of the entire TNR process; it is used for training at local agencies worldwide.
TNR makes a tremendous difference because these cats can live out their lives in better health. In the meantime, there is no more mating or fighting. However, they continue the valuable services like taking care of snakes and rodents. They usually remain in their original groups or colonies and are looked after by caregivers. Incidentally, some local agencies help caregivers with donated food. There are cities who want to bring in feral cats for rodent control! In addition, farmers often need “barn cats” for the same reason. Rodents can destroy stored grain overnight! Feral cats are great “employees!” For the time being, those cats don’t have to file taxes!
Let’s Provide Some Shelters!
Fortunately, there are numerous choices for shelters for outside cats; even heated ones. You can get a simple A-frame to really elaborate houses. By the way, it depends on how safe your colony location is. Anything really fancy is easily stolen, sadly. Alley Cat Allies has the plans and instructions for building homes out of large plastic totes with styrofoam for insulation. SHELTERS Whatever you decide to use, it is best to have a front and back door. Feral cats need an escape if they get invaded by some wild animal. If you have cold weather, even for a short period of time, please provide some extra warmth for their nests. Straw is excellent for bedding.
We Stand up for Cats Everywhere
Unfortunately, we have a lot of “cat-haters” out there so we have to advocate for cats. These cats have always been feral or were dumped or abandoned. Many folks think of pets as disposable! However, they are family to most of us. These cats have no one through no fault of their own. We are their voices! Once the cats are “fixed,” they are legal residents of the community.
Incidentally, some forward-thinking communities realize the value of these cats and actually request them to help with rodent problems! Other communities decide that if there are too many cats, to just shoot them! Alley Cat Allies has been very active in changing the thinking of those places. By the way, eliminating feral cats does not solve anything! Once other cats know that a particular colony has disappeared, they move in. Alley Cat Allies can put you in touch with local groups who will address the complaints of cities, HOAs, neighbors, etc. Help end animal cruelty! I have seen some horrible cases personally and these people often go on to bigger prey!
Campaigns to Help Cats run by Alley Cat Allies
ACA has been active all over the world; especially where communities have decided to cull cats. There is often a petition on various social media regarding these cases. We “cat-people” usually get up in arms over those situations; we can make a difference. Therefore, I’d recommend you follow them so you can stay aware of the needs of cats. Sometimes, people want cats removed because they kill birds, or poop in the garden. Education is the only way to get to a solution; there are humane ways to address these complaints.
Before TNR
I inherited a large colony years ago from a gal who asked me to care for it while she recovered from surgery. However, she soon moved to Nebraska! Incidentally, she did send me money for food; then she disappeared. That colony was the offspring of four cats! A neighbor to the north of the colony location had snakes so he picked up four cats. But, he didn’t get them “fixed!” By the time I got the colony, most everyone had been TNRd. That put a stop to the fighting and inbreeding. Without TNR, there could have been a slew of sickly cats.
Eventually, a neighbor of the colony began harassing me. Consequently, as I did not want to get shot, my friend and I decided to relocate them. Thank God, that worked! They are doing fine with her colony. It is not an easy task though; I trapped each cat. Kim kept them in big crates for two weeks while the cats got used to a new location.
However, there was an intact female somewhere in the neighborhood! I got to the colony on Easter Sunday, 2019 and went to change the drinking water. In the compost bin by the storage shed, someone in the neighborhood who knew my feeding schedule, had left a tiny kitten for me! She was sound asleep and warm. However, her tiny ears were still folded over and her eyes weren’t open! She was three or four days old! Moses in the Bullrushes came to mind. Therefore, I named her “Mosie in the Compost Bin.” We went straight to the pet store for supplies. Mosie will be five this coming April! (2024) I’ll never know her beginning!
Ways to Help Alley Cat Allies
There are several ways you can help Alley Cat Allies. First, sign up for their newsletters so you know what is going on with cats around the world. Following natural disasters, Alley Cat Allies helps with the rescue of cats. Consequently, contributions make a huge difference. Secondly, watch for petitions on social media that you can sign. Emails will keep you informed.
In the meantime, there are cats all over who need help. Find out about your local agencies and do whatever you can for them. They always need volunteers. Incidentally, some caregivers occasionally need temporary help. By the way, I can almost guarantee that someone has a feral cat colony near you! Caregivers appreciate having a “back-up.” By the way, shelters can use donations of towels, small blankets, and other small pieces of bedding. Most shelters use newspaper to line cages. Just ask to see what your favorite shelter can use.
Take advantage of the “store” for educational materials to give out. Buy something to wear and advertise your passion and compassion. Meanwhile, spread the word that cats need and deserve help. Speaking as The Essential Cat Lady, I thank you. In addition, do not hesitate to contact ACA for any questions or needs you have. One look at their website will give you an idea of all the help they offer; they will put you in touch with folks in your area, as well. PHONE : 202-667-3630
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