Founded in 2003, Feral Cat FOCUS of Western New York is a volunteer organization that provides essential services for feral cats in Western New York.
A feral cat is born and raised outside with little or no human contact or is a stray that has lived outside long enough to revert to a wild state. Adult feral cats usually cannot be tamed and are most content living outside. Feral kittens up to 8-10 weeks of age, on the other hand, can often be tamed and placed in homes. Feral cats live in colonies and congregate near food sources. Feral cat colonies can be managed with a nonlethal method called Trap/Neuter/Vaccinate/Return (TNVR), in which cats are humanely trapped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated for rabies and distemper, and returned to their colony site where volunteer caretakers provide them with food, water, and shelter. HEART has collaborated with Feral Cat FOCUS and several other local animal humane organizations to start a TNVR program. TNVR is the only chance feral cats have of living safe, healthy lives, while ceasing their reproduction.
Feral Cat FOCUS can loan you a humane trap, show you how to use it, and schedule an appointment at an all volunteer Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Clinic. Low cost ($25) spay/neuter clinics are held once a month at the Erie County SPCA, 205 Ensminger Road, Tonwanda, NY. The $25 fee includes distemper and rabies vaccinations. Tests for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses are $10.
TNVR is a hands-on project requiring commitment from one or more volunteer caretakers, often with the help of feral cat advocates living in the area. For more information on Feral Cat FOCUS and how you can help, please visit their web site at www.feralcatfocus.com. |
FERAL CAT FOCUS
P.O. Box 404
East Aurora, NY 14052-0404
1-888-902-9717 |
