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Cat No. 2,000 with Dr Mary Emma Riley and Mandi Bates. Submitted photo.
LUDINGTON — Community Cats TNR recently reached a milestone after spaying or neutering its 2,000th homeless, free-roaming or feral cat in Mason County.
The 2,000th cat, an 8-month-old white and gray kitten, was neutered Aug. 25 by Dr. Mary Emma Riley of Country Veterinary Clinic. Veterinary Technician Mandi Bates also assisted with the cat’s care.
Community Cats TNR is a nonprofit organization that works with caregivers throughout Mason County to humanely trap homeless cats that are being fed and sheltered. Volunteers care for the cats before and after surgery and transport them to Country Veterinary Clinic.
In addition to being spayed or neutered, the cats receive a health examination, parasite treatment, rabies and distemper vaccinations, flea, tick and ear mite treatment, pain medication and, when needed, antibiotics. The cats also have the tip of their left ear removed as a permanent indication that they have been treated through a trap-neuter-return program.
Trap-neuter-return, commonly referred to as TNR, is used to control feral cat populations by preventing additional reproduction. Community Cats TNR also said the practice reduces behavior associated with mating, including fighting, howling and urine marking, while increasing the number of vaccinated outdoor cats.
The organization cited calculations from the University of Washington Math Department estimating that female cats treated through the program could otherwise have produced about 439,000 kittens over seven years.
Community Cats TNR focuses on homeless cats that must be trapped to be safely handled and transported for veterinary care. People with pets or friendly stray cats are encouraged to work with their own veterinarian. Financial assistance for some spay and neuter procedures may also be available through the Fixing Furry Friends Facebook page.
Mason County caregivers who are feeding homeless cats that cannot safely be handled may call 231-845-7888 for information about having a colony spayed, neutered and vaccinated.
Donations to help pay for veterinary care and food may be mailed to Community Cats TNR, P.O. Box 384, Ludington, MI 49431.
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