Shelter Volunteer Agrees to Take Care of a Dozen Feral Cats, Ends Up with Nearly 30

Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/rescue-story-feral-colony/

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In early January 2015, I was volunteering for my local shelter with my shelter trainer and Humane Society board member. The few times we volunteered together, we chatted and I mentioned I had a small piece of land with a barn. This information obviously stuck with her because this particular day, she asked me if I would be able to take “a few cats” in our county that were homeless. SURE I WOULD!

We spent many hours discussing their needs and their special care with our vets and a rescue friend. They came from a colony that was in danger. The city no longer wanted them living in their “home” and the animal control was going to trap and euthanize all of them, unless they could be trapped and relocated. This was a huge undertaking, but I was ready for the 12-14 cats… hahaha… In total, 41 cats were trapped. Some unfortunately never made it to their new home due to severe illnesses or injuries. I am happy to say that 28 have been successfully relocated and four months later, they are all doing well!

feralcolony2 - Shelter Volunteer Agrees to Take Care of a Dozen Feral Cats, Ends Up with Nearly 30 — CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / DIMITRIS VETSIKAS

They now all live on a 1/4-acre that belongs to just them, with their own 800-square-foot barn, pond, and a kitty-proof fence for their safety!

I just signed the papers for my very own 501c3, and it should be up and running very soon.

I will be forever thankful for that one day the Humane Society asked ME to help them. These cats are amazing. There are a few friendlies and they greet me each time I come to the gate. They love belly rubs and head bumps. There are some that are still very feral and that is okay, too. They are all loved as much as they desire and they return that love each and every day!