PLEASE READ THIS!! Then do something to help -- get your own cats spayed & neutered; convince your neighbors, relatives, friends, AND strangers to do likewise; support the efforts of individuals and organizations . . . you CAN make a difference!!
Peacock's friends are on another mission of mercy; this page provides background info, links to other resources, as well as the specifics of THIS case:
Find out why Feral Cat Rescue is so rewarding (and frustrating); learn more about feral cats; read Andy's Story. Also provides info about how to subscribe to the Rescue-Cat mailing list along with additional links to online resources.
... an organization that traps and spays/neuters feral cats, then returns
them to their caretakers. Provides facts, ways to become involved, and LINKS to additional information (including Fact Sheets from Alley Cat Allies and Articles by Sarah Hartwell).
This group is dedicated to humanely reducing Oregon's Feral Cat Population through spaying and neutering and educating the public about the plight of Feral Cats. Site includes lots of info, clinic schedule, etc.
This group of volunteers in Houston (Texas) is creating a network of individuals who share the common goal of loving and caring for feral cats and kittens and offering them a chance for the best life possible.
Traditional - this is the full version for cat lovers!! Also see MOGGYCAT'S CAT PAGES for a wealth of other inspirational stories, useful information, etc.
This article about cat behavior was written by Jack Carter and is based on his years of experience with feral cat colonies as well as research he has conducted.
The second article in the series on Feral Cat Behavior describes the typical day in the life of a feral cat; includes suggestions for caretakers of colonies.
The fourth article in the series on Feral Cat Behavior describes the marking behavior of feral cats and also provides insight into scratching, rubbing and urine marking by "tame" cats, as well.
The fifth article in the series on Feral Cat Behavior discusses typical colony size and the issues impacting it, as well as addressing the human element and the critical issue of pet over-population.
Photos of this haven for feral cats in Stafford, Virginia; clearly shows many specific design features which make this home especially useful and feline-friendly.
A special Feature on Best Friends' home for feral cats. Take a virtual tour of this inspiring facility; perhaps someday YOU will help establish this kind of heavenly haven for ferals in your area!!
Instructions for building a cat fence (or adding to an existing one), from a Fact Sheet by Alley Cat Allies. Please remember that cats are still "in danger" in a backyard if unsupervised; so, if you're considering this for your indoor kitties, keep an eye on them just as you would with toddlers!! Remember: the fence may keep your cats IN, but it may not keep other beasties (or people) OUT.
This is a clearly written set of directions for making a basic cat shelter/feeding station, including a list of required materials and necessary tools. Several of these are currently in use by Friends of Campus Cats at the University of Washington.
Brief overview with important advice for dealing with orphaned, nursing kittens. Also see the Guide to Rescue Cats for more info and guidelines for the novice cat rescue person.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about caring for orphan kittens. Includes EVERYTHING you need to know to serve as a kitty's Mama (except how to purr)!! Includes info on evaluating the kitty's condition, feeding and elimination, etc.
Jeri Dopp's informative article will, hopefully, convince you that YOU CAN! Includes EVERYTHING you need to know to successfully serve as a foster mom or dad.
Needless to say, the best one to raise kittens is their own mother (or another cat), but if YOU are the designated "Mama Cat" you may find these tips and suggestions helpful. Includes; how to build an incubator; how to feed, stimulate elimination, and deal with diarrhea or constipation; introduce solid food, etc.
Step-by-step suggestions for what to do if you find abandoned kittens. A wealth of other Cat Care Tips are also available, including detailed info about Kitten Development.
Great suggestions for fostering or rescue work; includes: What to do first, recipes for emergency kitten formula, the basics of cat care, as well as how to maintain the health of cats and kittens who are already healthy.
These tips for orphaned kitten care are provided by FFGW, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the rescue, care and adoption of homeless cats and kittens in the metropolitan Washington DC community.
this page provides an annotated collection links on raising orphan kittens, socializing feral kittens, weaning, etc. as well as important considerations when raising very young, motherless kittens.
Includes excellent info for ANYONE dealing with ferals; includes tips for trapping, low-cost spay/neuter (and why kitty abortion is the HUMANE choice for pregnant cats). The section, TAMING A FERAL CAT, provides an excellent overview of how to tame feral kittens and (YES!!) even adult ferals; you can also read about Scaredy Cat's progress.
This article, in Question-Answer format, addresses many concerns expressed by a feral kitten rescuer and provides insight into the typical behavior of young ferals as they become socialized during the early weeks and months of life.
Of-course you can! Here are some suggestions for how to do it!! Includes some tricks for trapping those "tough to catch" kitties successfully, as well as specific hints for socializing a kitty if you choose to make it an indoor family member instead of returning it to its colony.
This article by Trisha Ballard, DVM helps explain homeopathic treatments and includes a list of a few flower essences and their indications (the famousRESCUE REMEDY appears at the end).
Provided by Feral Friends, an all-volunteer, non-profit group based in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas dedicated to animal rescue, adoptions, and humane feral cat management.
A real chance to solve the homeless cat problem -- humanely.
Michelle Meister-Weisbarth, a student at the Virginia-Maryland Regional
College of Veterinary Medicine, has developed a genetically engineered
bacterium that can be used as an oral contraceptive to control the unwanted
cat population. This page provides info in Q-A format.
This two-part article, published by ANIMAL PEOPLE provides statistics and confirm that the keys to success are first,
going where the homeless cats are to do neutering, and second, working to enable renters to adopt cats. Also see:
Part Two: Neuter-release
Summary of the Winn Foundation project to evaluate the long term effects of early altering, including background and medical issues, helps answer the question: Are fears of negative side effects of early neutering warranted?
Check the resources available on the Animal Friends Site for more ways to help. If you live in the Western Pennsylvania region, there is a low-cost Animal Birth Control program available (call the ABC Center: 1-800 SPAY-PGH). If you live elsewhere, check with Friends of Animals (or call the FoA Hotline: 1-800 321-PETS).
The Love That Cat Store provides this well-organized state-by-state listing of spay/neuter programs throughout the country; includes addresses and phone numbers.
An organization in the New Haven area that provides assistance for feral trap-neuter-release programs (including discounted veterinary services and trap loans). The site includes statistics and information for people interested in assisting feral and stray cats.
Learn about this volunteer organization committed to the humane mangement of the feral cat colonies on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.
.... a volunteer organization whose sole
purpose is to stabilize the feral (untamed) cat population on the University of Texas campus by
utilizing the nationally known "trap-neuter-return" method.
Campus Cat Coalition The University of Texas at Austin
Learn about the rescue work and services provided by this Seattle-based group which is Dedicated to the rescue and humane management of feral cats on the University of Washington campus. Articles and information are provided, including past issues of Up Your Alley, as well as annotated links to other resources. The article, HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN CAT SHELTER/FEEDING STATION
by Matthew Moore, with a materials list and construction tips, is available.
The Stanford Cat Network is a nonprofit organization comprised of Stanford staff, students, faculty and community volunteers. By agreement with the University, the Stanford Cat Network is responsible for the care of all free-roaming cats on campus. Tame cats can be adopted and unsocialized cats are humanely trapped and sterilized. The Newsletter provides articles and resources as well as a Lost and Found section.
Stanford Cat Network; Stanford University; Palo Alto, California
Peacock provides CURRENT ALERTS, suggestions for dealing humanely with a feral cat colony, listings of resources (including Feral/Stray Support Organizations), and links to sources of additional information on how an aggressive Spay & Neuter program can save lives; includes an example of a working model.
A report, including statistics and references, showing the fiscal wisdom of spaying/neutering feral cats rather than continually euthanizing their offspring. Based on research conducted by the National Pet Alliance.
Advocates a trap-neuter-return program that stabilizes populations, reduces birth rates and improves the overall health of the colony. Site provides info including an excellent article, Guidelines to Trap, Neuter and Return, to inform those currently working with feral cat populations as well as those exploring the possibility.
Havahart provides info concerning the effect of stray cats on the environment and ways to help exclude, remove or repel unowned felines. Includes Trapping Tips as well as instructions for all models of Havahart products. Join the mailing list to get 10% off all purchases from their on-line store!
Woodstream Corporation, makers of Havahart Live Cage Traps
Includes the
Tru-Catch Instructions (graphics), dimensions, prices and ordering instructions for these high-quality humane traps (ideal for transporting animals, also).
Step-by-step instructions for trapping ferals and transporting them for spay/neuter surgery; suggestions are also included for working with mother cats and their kittens.
Info about the efforts of this group which provides care for feral cats. Includes a photo essay:
Trapping a Feral Cat, as well as the rescue of a feral kitten: Manny's Story.
A trap/alter/release program for your neighborhood. A complete, printable version of this excellent brochure, including photos, is also available in PDF format.
This report, based on a survey conducted by the National Pet Alliance (NPA), was presented to the Santa Clara County Animal Advisory Commission. It provides clear evidence of the need to trap, neuter and release (rather than euthanize) feral cats.
These NPA Studies provide the facts and figures to support the efficacy of such programs as Trap-Test-Alter (TTVAR) in the reduction of pet overpopulation.
Text from a symposium presentation by
Linda Kelson, Feral Cat Coalition Board Member, which includes a detailed description of the super-efficient, high-volume approach the Feral Cat Colalition (FCC) takes at their monthly sterilization clinics.
Why cat licensing is a VERY bad idea; includes the reasons proponents advance with clear explanations of why the results will not be as hoped. See the Pet Overpopulation Library for other excellent resources.
Including Lists, Information, and Common Sense. Sue Freeman provides a clear guide whether you're new or already quite familiar with the issues of dealing with feral cats. Includes useful info on all the aspects from rescuing and taming feral cats and kittens to managing feral colonies.
Information about TTVARM projects, including lists of organizations and other resources, that make a difference by adding quality to the lives of friendless felines.
An all-volunteer network of individuals who work to improve the lives of feral, abandoned & stray cat colonies in the Southern Maine area; check out the resources available in the online newsletter,
The Advocat, which includes the excellent Confessions of an avid cat fosterer.
Find out about this trap/neuter/release program to humanely reduce the suffering of homeless cats in the City of Saskatoon; includes a Chronicle of Events and info about Feral Cat Clinics.
Info about HCF's multi-faceted feral cat program in which the cat is
spayed/neutered/microchipped,
and returned to its
environment, where volunteers then provide food and
care on a daily basis, including necessary
veterinary treatment. Also provides general info about ferals and the futility and inhumanity of euthanasia
as a means of population control.
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