many cats in need

hello, all I am new to this forum, but I have been re homing and TNR cat for many years I currently have 13 little ones of my own and was just looking for some feedback on a situation with about 60 cats in need in riverside ca, any suggestions would be appreciated. So here's my story: I know a Lady whom is a caretaker of a huge cat colony here in riverside she has about 60-70 ferals and she has been caring for these cats out of her own pocket book for many years and also spends hours with them on a daily basis I have been trying to help her financially by proving some food and working on setting up a TNR program with her but this project is very overwhelming to say the least, recently the caretaker has lost her job and is struggling to buy food for these little guys and I have been emailing local rescues and trying to network but I am getting nowhere fast. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated I am trying to get help with buying food for her.

Annette 

Bless your hearts for caring for these cats. Have you been able to TNR any of them? I don't know how to help you, but there are very experienced people on this forum who might be able to send you in the right direction. If you google "TNR cats Riverside CA" or "TNR feral cats Riverside CA" you might find some links to help. You might also contact Alley Cat Allies or Best Friends.

Hoping you can find someone to help you help the cats.

I have recently come across a very similar situation.  We are in the process of getting everyone spayed and neutered.  I went to the local dollar store and spoke with the manager and explained the situation.   When bags of dry food or canned food comes in damaged they cannot sell them.  He is going to give me the food at half price.  I am also going to go to the local pet shops such as Petsmart and Petco and see if they have a similar policy.

I hope that helps,  it is overwhelming, I know.

thanks I will check with my local stores, I have made a lot calls for help so hopefully get some feed back.

hno: That is a really serious situation. Thank you for helping this lady, Her heart is in the right place, of course. But this how a colony gets totally out of control when someone feeds and does not stop the breeding. Believe me, I am not criticizing at all. But you are right to help her. I would find a TNR organization, one that will hopefully take control of this situation and come in with multiple traps and get started with sterilizing these kitties. That is their goal and most orgs are very willing to help the community with a huge colony to get it under control. I will see if I can help find a place to assist you.

Do check Petco and Persmart for dry food bags that are close to expiration. They toss those out and it is such a waste to me. The food could be used to feed large feral colonies. :nod:


Here is a good resource
http://www.thecatsite.com/t/16045/h...ng-and-low-cost-or-free-spay-neuter-resources

You are correct, and she has a very big heart. In all honestly she has had other people that use to help her before and she has TNR several of the cats by herself but the other people who use to help her dropped like flys once the problem started getting out of control. This is a situation that people are dropping off their unwanted cats because they no they will be fed. I am committed to helping her and I am networking with some people in our area but I am not getting a lot of response which is quite frustrating. With kitten season here she has about 30 kittens now OMG!!! plus all the adults. If I could tell all the details you would be shocked at how out of control this really is, I am very concerned for the cats safety because this is on private property .I am a feral friend on Alley cats allies so I have allot of referrals but I need more people who no exactly how the process works. And the caretaker is very concern even possibly a little hesitant because she has a hard time seeing the cats in any discomfort, and with my experience the cats will be scared when they are trapped but I am trying to explain to her this is short lived and they will have a much happier longer life being neutered. She has a valid point so I am trying to validate her feelings because my focus is cat safety as well. I wish you all lived here in California so you could help me....I think I found a couple rescues to take some of the kittens so I think I am moving in the right direction but we need help financially because I have not won the lottery and I do not have unlimited funds and I work full time and have 13 cats of my own so time is not on my side. But just being able to express my concerns and get feedback from you and everyone on this site helps me realize I am doing the right thing. Thanks Annette

AW hun, you ARE doing the right thing here. You are truly a saint :heart3: I know this is a huge, huge undertaking and that is why I hope you will get the financial backing from one of these rescues :cross: You are only doing this in the name of charity and for the love of cats. :heart2:

This does sound totally out of control and all of those cats/kittens need help. I know you are trying to validate the ladies feelings in that she can't stand to see them in distress. BUT oh my goodness, the distress of all of that breeding and of course the cats health and well being have to be first before her feelings. The cats could potentially suffer and become ill with issues and that would upset this lady just as much. AND all of those kittens will be having kittens OMG I wish I could help and I will be praying hard that you may find caring folks to come out and help with this colony of cats that will only grow bigger and bigger. Much, much, much luck and mega, ginormous vibes for all of these kitties.

Super exciting news today a large TNR organization call today and they have a grant and will come out and trap and pay for all these cats and all I have to do is donate gas money and make sure the caretaker is willing to still feed them. Hooray hooray hooray...setting the date for June 11, 2012.All my work has paid off.....Now just to work on the caretaker. this is a dream come true...Annette

That is absolutely wonderful news. Will the caretaker be able to continue to feed them? If I remember, you said she lost her job. I wonder if any of the big pet food companies have donation/community service programs.

Good work - and it will be good for the cats, kittens and humans who care about them.

annettescats said:

Super exciting news today a large TNR organization call today and they have a grant and will come out and trap and pay for all these cats and all I have to do is donate gas money and make sure the caretaker is willing to still feed them. Hooray hooray hooray...setting the date for June 11, 2012.All my work has paid off.....Now just to work on the caretaker. this is a dream come true...Annette

Click to expand...

OH ANNETTE!!!!!!! I am so thrilled and excited right now :lol3: reading this update! I really, really am. GOOD FOR YOU !!!!!!!!!!!! JOB WELL DONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are just amazing that you pulled this off and put this whole TNR effort together. OK - SO JUNE 11 it is and begins. It might take a few long days to get them all. You must be one happy lady today :nod: :bigthumb: