For most, seeing a stray animal tugs at the heartstrings.
Usually, all one can do is walk on and hope for the best, or call a service such as animal care and control. But some Grandview residents have taken the extra step to care for animals in need – while also taking extra measures to assure the problem does not grow.
A group of neighbors noticed a significant problem with feral cats in their Grandview neighborhood. There were roughly 11 kittens, as well as their mother.
“A friend walking by a neighbor’s house alerted my husband and me,” says Sharon Hatem. “After several days, we all realized that the mother cat and her kittens were most likely put – or dumped, more like it.”
Hatem and her fellow neighbors quickly came up with a game plan.
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“We realized something needed to be done or we would have a feral cat explosion,” Hatem says. “The neighbors and I did some research … and decided to use the trap-neuter-return method if we couldn’t find homes for them.”
Patti Modlich, one of the neighbors, says she knew from past experiences that cats can multiply quickly and it isn’t always easy to find them homes.
“If you can get a kitten at a very young age, it may be possible to have that kitten adopted out,” Modlich says. “(As they get older) the chances are slim.”
The rescue effort lasted about nine months. The group was able to trap all the cats, and have them spayed and neutered. Overall, the neighbors have spent about two years with the group of cats.
“We either found homes for them or released them into the neighborhood,” Hatem says. “One neighbor has two heated kitty condos on her back patio, and she and several of us chip in for food and vet bills.”
Ruthanne James, another neighbor who lent a helping hand, says the winter is particularly brutal for stray animals. James helped offset the cost of the heated cat condos, and offered her garage up as a sanctuary.
“In the garage, they can come and go as they please,” James says, adding that she and her neighbors have given names to the remaining members of the cat colony.
They are part of the family, James says. Still, they behave like feral cats.
“During the storms – the snow, sleet, ice – we take care of them, but they still don’t like us,”
James says. “But there’s still something wonderful about it. I don’t think people realize that, when they abandon cats, other people step forward to take care of them.”
Sidebar/box:
Trap-Neuter-Return Method for Feral Cats
- Trap the cat humanely. Never use tranquilizers or nets. Instead, use appealing food and a simple cage.
- Once the cat is trapped, cover the trap to keep the cat calm.
- Head to an animal clinic or veterinarian that day or the next day for the operation.
- After the cat is fixed, keep the animal in its cage for about 24 hours. This way, the cat can heal. Keep the cat indoors, such as in a garage or spare room.
- Feed the cat about eight hours after surgery.
- Release the cat at the exact location where you trapped it.
Side bar:
Pet Rescue Advice
“It works well when the neighbors work as a team. Take turns in setting the traps, checking the trap and taking the cat to be fixed. … Donate money to help cover cost, provide food, maybe a shelter.” – Patti Modlich
“The situations can be dealt with, but someone has to intervene. The problem will not go away on its own. The only way to solve the problem is to not have it happen in the first place. (You need to) spay and neuter.” – Sharon Hatem
“Find places that are willing to spay or neuter feral cats for a low price. Be aware of the times of year that kittens are usually born. Realize that, by having feral cats fixed, you are helping to end the growth of the colony.” – Patti Modlich
“I don’t think people know there are so many ways to get involved. More people need to be aware of ways they can help out.” – Ruthanne James
Get Involved: Ways to Foster and Adopt Rescue Animals
-Columbus Pet Rescue
-PetPromise
-Pets Without Parents
-Canine Collective Dog Rescue
-Colony Cats Adoption Center
Hannah Bealer is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at hbealer@cityscenecolumbus.com.
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