Tag Archives: cats

Adoption, Cats, FOTAS, Volunteer

A Little Kitty Love Goes a Long Way at the County Animal Shelter

Posted on by Angel Hartline
29
Jul

By Carolyn McCurdy, FOTAS Volunteer

I was feeling a little indulgent, a little selfish, but there I was driving to the shelter to volunteer, aka to get some kitty love, while my family packed the car for vacation. I told them I would only go for an hour. As I was driving I thought, “It’s not enough time. What good will it really do? I should be back helping my family pack.” But when I got there, Damario came to greet me with his tail high in the air. Good Damario! I had been telling him if he wanted to get adopted he was going to have to look more relaxed and learn to put that tail up. I instantly stopped feeling guilty. This was proof I was making a difference.

When I enter the left side of the facility, Monica is on her shelf waiting for love and as soon as I sit, I have several cats looking for attention. Purrs and ear scratches all around. On the right side, Nin is at the door waiting and there are two new faces I haven’t seen. As I sit, one lays against my leg and the other sits against my back. I see my darling Gwyneth’s forehead, with its little white star, pop out of the cubby she prefers. She is intimidated by all the other cats. It has taken days, but now she comes out to sit with me. She knows I won’t let anyone pick on her.

I move and sit next to handsome Coal. He is such a love bug. Isabella makes her rounds and Nin and ZuZu come by to check on me. It is hard to move on, but I have to save time for the cats outside. That is where my dear, sweet Tiger is. He is a personal favorite. I sit and again I am soon surrounded. Beautiful Nevada lays along my leg. She is missing her kittens that have just been weaned, but at least she has Lora. Lora is younger and lets Nevada tend to her.

The hour passes quickly and I have to get back home. I say my special goodbye to Tiger. I hope he is not there when I return. I know he has a home out there. How could such a great cat not? I tell him I will miss him. The cats watch me go, and I feel a sad knowing many will still be there when I come back. But the earlier guilt is gone, and has been replaced with a feeling of satisfaction. The hour was well spent giving the cats attention and helping them relax.

On the way out of town, I tell my family about the cats and their stories. My son asks to see pictures of the new ones. He knows I will have some on my phone. He asks about Tiger, one of his favorites, too.

All of the animals at the shelter have stories. Come volunteer and become part of their story, or adopt and give their story a happy ending. Then again, you could do both. That is what I did.

Their lives are in our hands.

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Transfer

FOTAS partnership with New York rescue saves County shelter animals

Posted on by Angel Hartline
10
Jul

By Gary Willoughby, Executive Director, SPCA Serving Erie County
Nine years ago, when I moved to Aiken, South Carolina to join the SPCA there, it was difficult to imagine the progress that would be made in animal welfare in such a short period of time. The SPCA and the Aiken County Animal Shelter both have wonderful new facilities and important in-house and community to improve the lives of homeless animals and family pets in need of help.

The work that FOTAS has done with their partnership with the Aiken County Animal Shelter is very encouraging, particularly in developing a transport network that helps so many dogs find their forever homes in other parts of the country.
The overwhelming number of surrendered and stray animals brought to the Aiken County shelter has forced FOTAS to look at other alternatives such as transferring some of the animals to other shelters all across the country. The logistics and coordination of these transfers to the “right” shelters requires a tremendous amount of work but it is all worth it when a successful shelter-partner is found.

These FOTAS transfer programs – combined with access to affordable spay and neuter programs, treatment for heartworm positive dogs, volunteer programs to socialize and exercise the animals there waiting for adoption, community outreach, and a vibrant foster network – have made a significant and positive impact in Aiken County.

I’m honored to share with the Aiken Standard’s readers that FOTAS and the SPCA Serving Erie County have formed a new partnership to send Aiken County dogs and cats to my facility in Buffalo, NY.

The SPCA Serving Erie County is fortunate to find new homes for around 8,000 dogs and cats each year and this new partnership with FOTAS and Aiken County has the potential to help hundreds of dogs and cats find their forever homes, while helping to ease the overcrowding of the county shelter.

The staff and volunteers of the SPCA Serving Erie County are excited about the new partnership with FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter and what it will mean for the homeless animals each group helps. The potential adopters here in Buffalo are eager to help and most of the animals that make the over 800 mile journey through seven states will be adopted in the first day or two they become available.

Our first transport in June was unique for both groups, in that it included nine kittens. Nationally, dog intake trends for northern shelters have decreased, allowing dogs and puppies to make their way to the Midwest and New England areas, but only recently have the same trends occurred with cats and kittens.

We are thrilled to be part of this new win/win partnership but need to remind all of you that the number of adoptions we hope to generate from the Aiken County Animal Shelter represents a tiny sample of the overwhelming number of animals that must be saved from there.

Thank you to all of you in Aiken County who donate, volunteer and adopt – as well as those of you who set an example by getting your animals spayed/neutered, have a veterinarian care for them and who consider your pets a part of your family. We couldn’t do this work without you.

 

ACAS ADOPTION COORDINATOR TRACI DEADERICK CARRIES KITTENS FOR TRANSPORT TO NORTHEAST RESCUE.

Adoption, Cats, Donate, Foster, FOTAS, Volunteer

Kittens are just $10 at Aiken County Animal Shelter through July 16

Posted on by Angel Hartline
02
Jul
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications They just keep coming. Stray mama cats with their babies, litters of kittens surrendered by people who cannot afford the additional felines and even some lone kittens found along the side of a road, in the woods, or callously left on private property. The influx of purring babies is steady and relentless. There are 27 spayed/neutered kittens ready to be adopted in the shelter lobby and many more on deck over at intake, eager to get their chance to be seen on the adoption floor. To address this flood of kittens, FOTAS and the County Shelter just launched a $10 Kitten Special that will continue through July 16. The shelter is also extending its $10 June adoption special for black cats and tuxedo (black with white) through this date. The adoption fee for felines (normally $35) includes spay/neuter surgery, all vaccines and a microchip. These tiny, furry purr monsters desperately need homes and FOTAS is hoping the $10 adoption special will encourage people to adopt them. We are also bringing kittens to the Aiken PetSmart store on Saturdays. Yesterday morning, the shelter’s veterinarian, Dr. Lisa Levy, took kittens to the store and in subsequent weeks, FOTAS volunteers will rotate to display and adopt kittens on Saturday mornings. All the feline toddlers are happy, friendly and family ready so people can select the ones they want and take them straight home from PetSmart! Of course, the ONLY way to curb the current parade of homeless kittens is for EVERYONE to spay/neuter their cats. If you have feral cats that need to be neutered, FOTAS has a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program. The County also provides traps and can do a limited amount of spay/neuter surgeries for feral and community cats. If you need financial assistance with spay/neutering your domesticated cat or dog, the County has vouchers you can apply for at the shelter and FOTAS can also help through the Fix-A-Pet Program. With that said, here are just some of the many wonderful kittens now available in the shelter lobby: Dustin – black, loves people, he will jump out of his cat condo onto your shoulder. Missy – black and gray Tabby, will kiss your cheek when you hold her, cuddler. Tara – muted Calico, love bug, she’s been here the longest of all the kittens. Granger – black, very athletic, likes to climb human beings, sweet. Delancy – male gray Tabby, white chest and paws, pretty boy. Vidal -different shades of gray, fantastic eye markings, laid back and friendly. George – an orange, easy-going boy who lives with his bestie and look-alike, Jericho. Mirella – a brown and black Tabby, the lovable runt of the litter, so pretty! For more information about the FOTAS $10 Kitten Adoption Special, please go to www.fotasaiken.org or call the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537. And if you haven’t had your pet fixed, please DO IT. Their lives are in our hands…
Cats, Donate, FOTAS, Volunteer

Successful TNR Program Boosted by Local Veterinarians

Posted on by Angel Hartline
17
Jun
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications Aiken veterinarians Holly Woltz and Cindy Brown are helping FOTAS with its Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program and have already fixed close to 300 community and feral cats for local residents.
“I became partners with FOTAS and the County Shelter because I’ve seen the gut-wrenching consequences of cat overpopulation,” said Dr. Woltz, Chief of Staff for Veterinary Services. “The numbers are still too high with these feral cats, and the shelter has a limited budget…stretched to a tiny thread to meet many needs. Since we can spay/neuter these animals for FOTAS at a very low price, I volunteered our services. FOTAS needs every penny!”
TNR is regarded as the most humane and effective way to control feral cat population growth. Using this method, all the feral cats in a colony are trapped, neutered/spayed and then returned to their territory, where they continue to thrive on their own. Young kittens that can still be socialized, as well as friendly adults, are placed in foster care and eventually adopted out to loving homes. Dr. Brown, who practices at Aiken Animal Hospital, also began volunteering her practice’s services to FOTAS late last year, and says by all accounts TNR seems to be working.
“Any time that FOTAS volunteers or the County Shelter calls for help, we accommodate their needs whenever possible to help the stray animal situation in Aiken,” she said. “I cannot stress enough the importance of education to aid in the [cat overpopulation] problem and we will continue to help spay and /or neuter as many stray animals as we can,” she added. Since launching the TNR Program in 2013, FOTAS has paid for the surgeries of more than 870 community cats. “The TNR program is a socially responsible and compassionate approach to serving these cats and the public,” said Dr. Woltz. “As a result, cats live healthier and more peaceful lives.”
The County also provides traps and can do a limited amount of spay/neuter surgeries for feral and community cats. If you need financial assistance with spay/neutering your domesticated cat or dog, the County has vouchers you can apply for at the shelter and FOTAS can also help through the Fix-A-Pet Program. Please donate to FOTAS to support the TNR and Fix-A-Pet programs, as well as provide other assistance to the homeless animals at the County Shelter. To make a donation, you can go to our website, FOTASaiken.org, or bring your contribution to the shelter at 333 Wire Road in Aiken. And while you’re there, visit our adoptable animals. The shelter is still at full capacity and the steady stream of homeless animals being brought through our doors has not let up. If you are looking for a cat (or dog), NOW is a great time to find a furry companion at the County Shelter. Their lives are in our hands…
Holly Woltz DVM
Holly Woltz DVM
Cindy Brown DVM
Cindy Brown DVM
                 
Adoption, Cats, Donate, Foster, FOTAS, Volunteer

Now is the time to adopt a feline: $10 special on black and tuxedo cats

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Jun

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications

If you are thinking about adding a cat or kitten to your home, now is the time to do it. Not only is the shelter filled to the brim with felines, but the adoption fee for all spay/neutered black and tuxedo (black and white) cats this month is just $10. That includes all vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and microchip!

Twenty-one kittens, many of which are black or tuxedos, are playing or napping in the lobby of the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS), waiting to be adopted and taken to their forever homes. Just outside, in the cat adoption facility, are 19 adult cats also hoping to be adopted. We also have eight shelter cats at the PetSmart store in Aiken that need homes, plus many more housed at the intake section of the shelter, eager to get their chance on the adoption floor.

You might be wondering, “Why are the black and tuxedo cats singled out for this month’s $10 special adoption fee?” Well, there are two reasons we focused on them. First, we currently have a lot of cats and kittens sporting these coat colors; and second, black cats are often overlooked by adopters. In fact, black felines are only half as likely to be adopted as cats of other colors.

Apparently, despite the fact that we are living in the 21st century, this sad statistic exists because people still associate black cats with bad luck. This myth dates back to the Middle Ages when black cats were associated with witchcraft.  In truth, many cultures associate black felines with virtue and nobility. Black cats were worshipped in ancient Egypt and are considered lucky in Japan, England, Scotland, Italy and France.

Need more evidence that black cats are awesome and far from harbingers of ill luck? Come to the Shelter at 333 Wire Road and visit these regal animals to see for yourself.

Here are just some of the black and tuxedo cats and kittens (most babes are about 2 months old) available for adoption:

Granger: male, short hair, black kitten – loves to be held, purr monster
Iago: male, short hair, black cat – large, 8 years old, velvet fur, regal
Danny & Ernie: brothers, short hair, black kittens – tiny, always wrestling
Burt & Carol: siblings, long hair, black kittens – cuddly fur balls, purring machines
Nin: female, short hair, black cat – petite, 3 years old, gorgeous face
Adelaide: female, long hair, black kitten – white undercoat, sweet and cuddly

Ricky and Turner: brothers, classic tuxedo kittens – rambunctious, climbers
Sweet Pea: female, coat has more white than black – tiny, 2 years old, loves people

As noted, the shelter is at capacity and more strays and homeless animals are coming in all the time. If you are looking for a cat (or dog), there is one looking for you at the County Shelter. Please go there today and meet your new furry, loving companion and give them a good home.

Their lives are in our hands…

Bobby Arthurs, Aiken County Animal Shelter manager, holds Ricky and Turner
Bobby Arthurs, Aiken County Animal Shelter manager, holds Ricky and Turner

 

 

 

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, Donate, Foster, FOTAS, Volunteer, Volunteers

Two hours a week – you can make a difference at the County Shelter

Posted on by Angel Hartline
12
Jun

I hate this time of year. While the rest of Aiken settles into the steamy, sleepy tempo of summer, FOTAS volunteers and County staff shift into hyper-drive at the Aiken County Animal Shelter to care for the inevitable onslaught of puppies, kittens and owner-surrender animals that crowd the intake wing and stress county resources to alarming levels.

Every summer, the County Shelter is filled to capacity, and this summer promises to be no exception. The Cat Adoption House is packed. Every dog kennel is occupied. Yet day after day, more homeless dogs and cats are picked up or surrendered to the shelter.

“As I walked through the aisles last Saturday,” says Jennifer Miller, President of FOTAS, “every single dog looked up at me with longing and hope – desperate for some human love and attention, desperate to be out of the stressful kennel environment, desperate for a home of their own. It breaks my heart because it never ends.”

And although we at FOTAS work like crazy – through print, television and social media, through our daily efforts to make the animals more adoptable, through our transfer programs – to find these animal homes, we can’t keep up. Even though last week was a record week for adoptions and transfers, 58 to be exact, the Shelter took in even more animals. The crisis continues, week after week, month after month throughout the summer and into the fall.

And here’s the thing: at the very time intake is so high, our volunteer ranks are thin because of vacation schedules and family commitments. That means that even though our cherished core volunteers and fosters are working non-stop, there are just not enough to give all of those dogs and cats the care and attention they need and deserve.

We need more people! I know you love animals or you probably wouldn’t be reading this article. So, help us out – join Team FOTAS. Volunteer at the Shelter, one or two hours a week, that’s all we ask.

One or two hours a week: you can walk and love up the dogs, play with the puppies, cuddle with the cats in the Cat Adoption House, help the handlers with dog playgroup sessions, greet visitors and potential adopters in the air conditioned comfort of the Shelter’s cheerful front lobby – there are so many options.

Just one or two hours, that’s it.

Please do not walk away from those unfortunate animals longing for love and attention. They ended up at the Shelter through no fault of their own, but it is our responsibility, as a community, to care for them.

Call the FOTAS Hotline 803-514-4313, go to www.fotasaiken.org , or email info@angelhartlinedesigns.com to help volunteer, foster, or donate.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Ivy and Janson are waiting for someone to take them for a walk.
Ivy and Janson are waiting for someone to take them for a walk.

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, Donate, Foster, FOTAS, Volunteer

The County Shelter is full and needs your help!

Posted on by Angel Hartline
26
May

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

It’s a rainy Tuesday morning and although the Shelter opened its doors less than an hour ago, the staff has already taken in two litters of homeless kittens. A Siamese mix is weaning three of the kittens and a Calico is cuddled with six babies, two of them breathing heavily and needing medical attention.

“I didn’t know what to do,” says the elderly Aiken woman who brought in the Siamese mom and her brood. “I’d love to keep them but I already have four cats and two dogs at the house.”

An hour later, a woman and her young son bring in two Spaniel mix dogs that they say wandered onto their farm. Still later, an elderly man arrives with a chubby, brown Tabby in a wire cage. Then, just before noon, another man surrenders six kittens. He says they were born under his porch but the momma cat was hit by a car and killed.

This seemingly endless parade of homeless animals is not unusual these days. The Shelter is at full capacity and the combination of warmer weather and longer daylight hours means more animals are breeding. Springtime also signals the arrival of “kitten season”, a peak time of feline births that will continue through September.

But while the extremely high intake of animals makes for challenging times at the Shelter, there are many ways you can help, including:

  • Take advantage of our May half-price special and adopt a pet. This month, all cats and dogs that have already been spay/neutered are just half-price at the shelter. The adoption fee for cats (normally $35) is just $17.50 and for dogs (normally $75) is only $35!
  • Volunteer at the shelter. We need all sorts of help, especially dog walkers and people to show the animals to visitors. We have cats and kittens that need cuddling and care; dogs that need to be walked, washed and shown to visitors; and puppies that need to be socialized and loved. Come to 333 Wire Road and fill out an application.
  • Foster shelter animals at your home. To get homeless animals prepared for adoption and open up space on the adoption floor, we are seeking fosters to temporarily take in animals. Come to the shelter and fill out an application, and we’ll get you started on this rewarding journey.
  • Get your dogs and cats on heartworm preventative treatment ASAP. Way too many dogs that are picked up or surrendered at the shelter test positive for heartworms. Please get your pets on a year-round preventative right away. Heartworms is a mosquito-borne condition and the buzzing blood suckers are already out and about. Consult your veterinarian for which preventative best suits your pet.

And, of course, be sure to spay/neuter your pets. This is where the overpopulation problem starts. Typically, dogs and cats are mature and efficient breeding machines at just four months of age. Both FOTAS and the County offer financial assistance to qualified pet owners for this surgery – including a voucher program, FOTAS Fix-a-Pet and a TNR (trap, neuter, release) plan. Getting your pet fixed should be a top priority. In fact, it is your duty as a good citizen of Aiken County.

Their lives are in our hands.

For more information, please go to www.fotasaiken. You can also call (803) 514-4313 or send an email to volunteer@angelhartlinedesigns.com.

Adoption, Cats, Foster, FOTAS, Volunteer

Kitten Fosters Needed to Handle Flood of Felines

Posted on by Angel Hartline
26
May

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

Kitten season is here.

During the period from spring to early fall, an explosion of newborn kittens occurs across the country, and Aiken County is no exception. Currently, an average of two to three kittens a day are being dropped off at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) and that rate is only going to increase in coming months.

Kittens are cute, fluffy and impossible not to love. But they also are some of the most vulnerable and at-risk animals in our shelter because they require so much time and special attention. This is especially true if their mother is no longer around to wean them.

That’s why the ACAS and FOTAS are urgently seeking volunteers to foster these baby felines.

The shelter needs people to take home and care for kittens until they are old enough to be adopted. This includes spending time with the tiny babes to help socialize and prepare them for their ultimate forever home. Although it can be a lot of work, fostering is also a rewarding experience. These volunteers are saving lives and helping kittens find families.

“To hold these tiny creatures in your hands and experience them responding to kindness having had little to no human contact is amazing,” said Cindy Paulson, one of the shelter’s kitten foster volunteers. “And looking down at them with their little alien-like ‘ET’ eyes so full of trust and wonder makes me feel like in the scheme of life, with all its craziness, I am doing just a little something to make a difference.”

FOTAS and the shelter not only provide fosters with food and other supplies; they are always available to provide guidance and support.

“FOTAS is there right by my side helping me, and they are sincerely as involved with each little kitten as I am,” Cindy said. “I am not alone in this and they make me feel confident with how to properly care for the kittens.”

Becoming a kitten foster is simple. Just come to the shelter at 333 Wire Road in Aiken and fill out a foster application. After your form is received, you will be contacted for a site evaluation, just to assure that the animal will be in a safe environment. Once the site evaluation is completed and you are approved, FOTAS will get you started.

“The reasons to foster kittens are many,” said Muf Fuller, another kitten foster mom. “They make you smile when you are greeted in the morning with multitudes of mini mews; laugh when they tumble and pounce on each other; and sigh when they nestle with each other as they sleep. But the most rewarding part is when you receive notice that a family has decided to adopt one or more of these little bundles of energy and joy.”

For more information about fostering kittens and other shelter animals, please call (803) 514-4313 or send an email to volunteer@angelhartlinedesigns.com.

Their lives are in our hands.

Adoption, Cats, Dogs, FOTAS, Volunteer, Volunteers

FOTAS volunteers make a difference for the County’s homeless animals

Posted on by Angel Hartline
06
May

By Joanna D. Samson, FOTAS Vice-President

On any given day at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, FOTAS volunteers greet visitors, answer the phone, assist the County Adoption Coordinators, and coordinate on-site programs such as the Dog Ears Reading Program, birthday parties, yard sales or special events such as the Woofstock Dog, Cat & Music Festival (to be held in the fall of this year.)

FOTAS volunteers also work with the animals every day. Some cuddle and visit with the cats and kittens. Some walk the dogs on the trails around the property, often stopping by the lobby to hang out and hobnob with other volunteers and visitors. Some walk the dogs that have just had surgery. Some wash and groom dogs, while others play with the puppies in the segregated puppy pen.

In the newest program at the Shelter, FOTAS volunteers create and manage play groups in the yard consisting of multiple dogs on the adoption floor, giving them a much needed opportunity to socialize with their own kind and blow off some steam.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of FOTAS – through their and the County’s efforts over the past 7 years, thousands of animals have been saved and the euthanasia rate at the Shelter has dropped from 95% to 30%, an extraordinary accomplishment by any measure.

Is it perfect? No.

Can it be better? Yes, but until everyone in the county spays and neuters their cats, and the shockingly high intake numbers at the shelter come down, we need more people like you to commit time and resources to the 4,700 abandoned, homeless, abused and neglected animals that pass through the Shelter doors every year. We need such dedication from the community just to sustain this level of progress, much less build on it.

The Shelter and FOTAS particularly need more help in the summer months, when intake at the Shelter skyrockets and our volunteers take much needed time off to vacation with their family or beat the heat.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering to help animals, now is the time. Perhaps you and one of your older children could volunteer together. Pick a time that works for you during operating hours at the Shelter, and we’ll make it work.

Tell us what interests you. Dog care and handling? Cats? Working at the front desk with other volunteers to greet the public? Short-term or long-term fostering? Fostering is a great way for your family to care for a dog or puppies without the commitment of owning a pet. There are so many possibilities, and the work you do with and for the animals makes an enormous difference in the lives of these unfortunate souls.

Don’t wait – call the FOTAS Hotline at (803) 514-4313, or email us at info@angelhartlinedesigns.com.

Their lives are in our hands.

 

Judy with Sandra July 24 2015 ref

Above:  FOTAS Volunteer Sandra Procter comforts Judy, a sweet shelter dog.

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Above:  Young FOTAS Volunteer Holly Heiens with Munchkin the cat.

Adoption, Cats, Foster, FOTAS, Volunteer

Trap/Neuter/Return: Best Solution for Fixing Community Cat Issues

Posted on by Angel Hartline
27
Apr
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Director of Communications With spring kitten season already upon us, now is a good time to become better aware of the County’s Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) feral or community cat program. Two months ago, the Aiken County Council County passed a return to field resolution that made TNR a best management practice. TNR is considered to be the most humane and effective way of controlling feral cat population growth. Using this method, all the feral cats in a colony are trapped, neutered/spayed and then returned to their territory, where they continue to thrive on their own or sometimes caretakers provide them with food and shelter. Young kittens that can still be socialized, as well as friendly adults, are placed in foster care and eventually adopted out to good homes.
“Euthanizing all community feral cats does not reduce the cat population and instead just creates a vacuum effect in which more cats come into the colony and take the place of those felines that are gone,” said Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) Manager Bobby Arthurs. “So, now the county is following the steps of hundreds of other communities that have reduced their homeless cat population through TNR.”
TNR is offered by clinics and veterinarians throughout the state and country. Bobby said the ACAS veterinary staff only has the capacity to do a strictly limited amount of surgeries per day, so if you plan to bring in a feral cat to be spayed/neutered, please call ahead to make an appointment. Statistics show that an unaltered male cat and an unaltered female cat and their offspring are capable of producing 781,250 kittens in a seven-year period. But this overpopulation can be avoided by trapping and immediately neutering and vaccinating community cats against rabies. Once fixed, the free-roaming community cats can be humanely returned to the field instead of being euthanized at the shelter. FOTAS, through its fund raising efforts and Fix-a-Pet Program, has paid for 803 community cats’ spay/neuter surgeries. It has also provided traps for people to catch community cats through its Fix-a-Pet Program (originally named Lenny’s Brigade). Kathy Bissell, who led the pilot program in 2012, says that when you remove the cats’ reproduction drive and females no longer have the stress from pregnancy, they do well living in a cat colony.
“The nuisance behavior often associated with feral cats is dramatically reduced through TNR, including aggressive behavior, the yowling and fighting that comes with mating activity and the odor of unneutered males spraying to mark their territory,” she said. The mantra of TNR advocates is, ‘No litters, no odors and no noise.’”
Other advantages of TNR: It immediately stabilizes the size of the cat colonies by eliminating new litters. It lessens the number of felines flowing into local shelters, which results in lower euthanasia rates and increased adoptions of cats already in the shelters. The returned, fixed cats prevent unneutered cats from moving in and starting a new cycle of overpopulation. The fixed feral cats continue to provide natural rodent control. TNR is the most effective and humane way to reduce the numbers of unwanted cats in the community and received at the shelter. Last year 1,286 cats had to be euthanized at the shelter and by doing TNR — and working together — we can reduce that number. Their lives are in our hands…   Ellen Parker brings a community cat to ACAS           Above photo: Ellen Parker of Aiken brings a community cat to the shelter to be neutered. Later, she will return the fixed cat to its colony. If you are bringing in a feral cat to be spayed/neutered, please call ahead because the ACAS veterinary staff can only do a strictly limited amount of such surgeries per day.