How to Save Kittens from a Feral Life

Millions of stray cats are killed each year. In my home state, 81% of cats in shelters were "euthanized" in 2007. Most of these cats never had a fighting chance because they were born into feral colonies and not suitable as pets. There are several ways you can help decrease the percentage of cats put to death in your area.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A love for animals is imperative
• Everything else can be easily attained

1. Kittens born into feral colonies are destined for a tragic existence as a feral adult. Their lives will be filled with sickness, inadequate shelter, scavaging for food and cruelty by humans. One of the best ways to help these animals is to participate in, or support, a trap-neuter-release program. The cats who are released back into the colony are no longer able to add to the large numbers of offspring that cats are capable of producing. This helps slow down the rate at which the feral population can grow. And, it is humane.
   
   Other things you can do...

2. Spay or neuter your own cats (even if they are indoor). Cats have an uncanny way of sneaking outdoors and it only takes one time for a female cat to become pregnant. In addition, make sure you educate others about being a responsible pet owner. Some people have no idea how much of a problem exists.

3. Sign up to be a foster home. Most organizations have online applications you can fill out via their website, or you can visit an adopt-a-thon and ask to speak to the foster program coordinator.

4. Donate your specialized services. For example, if you are a graphic designer or can manage a website, offer to help the organization with that. If you are an artist, donate the profits from you art to the animal rescue group of your choice. If you are a photographer, you may be able to take pictures of the cats. Good pictures increase a kitten or cat's chances of being adopted. Use your imagination!

5. 
   2 of my foster kittens

   Finally, if the organization has a physical location, volunteer to clean cages, feed and interact with the cats and help maintain a pleasant temporary home until they are adopted or can be taken in by a foster home.

Resources

• Alley Cat Allies
• JCAPL in NC
• Adopt a Homeless Pet

[MariM]

on 1/28/2009 we had 5 cats, babies. It was so hard to let them go but I did some research and found a no-kill shelter. We had to pay 45$ but at least I know they will find a home. The association that we took our kittens to spay or neuter for a 10$ donation. If you live in the Nashville are, it is the nashville humane association on oceola, west end area. Thanks for bringing this to attention. 5* recommend

[AlishaV]

on 1/6/2009 Three of my cats I have now are ferals that I've rescued. They make great pets once you get them comfortable with people. It's a shame that so many die without ever being held and loved.

[TomCom]

on 12/31/2008 Another thing you can do to benefit your pets, your wallet AND your local Animal Shelter, provided they offer the service, is to take them for a cursory Vet check up and inoculations against Rabies & Distemper. Many shelters hold a 'Spring Clinic.' Vet's rates are greatly reduced, and the Shelter's are very open to DONATIONS!

[soanyway]

on 11/9/2008 I so agree! I have saved several feral kittens! Trapped many adults to be fixed/spayed etc. People need this to be "IN THEIR FACE" Good article!

[Butterfli]

on 11/8/2008 Great info! Thanks! 5*