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]]>The Impact of Animal Rescue Efforts on Local Communities
Animal rescue efforts are important for local communities for so many reasons. Every year countless animal lives are saved by these organizations. Through proper rehabilitation and medical care, animals are able to go home happy and healthy to loving homes in their local communities. Around 6.3 million animals enter animal shelters each year. Sadly, only half of them end up getting adopted in their first year. There is an enormous need for rescuing animals. These missions take in animals that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. They are then treated with the appropriate needed care.
- Providing shelter
- Food & Water
- Veterinary care
- Depending on the circumstance in which the animal was rescued, it may need rehabilitation or even behavior training to re-adapt to society.
Not everyone is familiar with animal rescue efforts in their community. When these efforts spread, not only is it better to have all hands on deck to save animals, but the mission spreads to other communities. Getting animals off the street is not only safer for them but also safer for the community. Being educated on efforts that let you know who to call and what to do is vital! Part of being educated on the topic is understanding that pets who have been abandoned for a variety of reasons may pick up infectious diseases. If they are in survival mode, they need to find food sources. They also may be on edge. Keeping streets clean and safe to help limit the spread of infectious diseases is a key benefit to local communities.
- Volunteering your time is always welcomed! Contacting local rescues to ask where your time can be most useful is a big help.
- Donating money is an option for those who don’t have time but have the resources. It’s always useful for rescue organizations because they have a variety of needs that are constantly updating. Running the website, buying animal supplies, and veterinarian costs are just a few examples.
- For those who don’t feel comfortable donating money, there is another option. Most rescues will likely keep a running list of materials and supplies they need regularly.
These are just a few examples! Contacting the rescue organization directly can give you the best information on how to get involved. Most, if not all, major cities have animal rescue efforts and organizations.
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]]>Managing Feral and Stray Cats
Trap-Neuter-Return, or “TNR,” is the most humane and effective method known for managing feral and stray cats and reducing their numbers. The cats, who typically live together in a group called a colony, are trapped and brought to a veterinary clinic. They’re then spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies where appropriate and ear tipped. After they’ve recovered from their surgeries, the cats are returned back to their original territory where a caretaker provides regular food and shelter. When foster or permanent homes are available, young kittens and friendly adults are removed and placed for adoption.
Because the cats can no longer reproduce, the colony has the potential to decline in size over time. Spaying and neutering also greatly reduce nuisance behavior. Once the cats are fixed, fighting, yowling and other noise associated with mating stops almost entirely. The foul odor caused by unaltered males spraying to mark territory disappears and the cats, no longer driven to mate, roam much less and become less visible. The cats themselves are healthier and less likely to spread feline diseases. Meanwhile, rodent control is maintained by the cats’ continued presence.
Like all methods, TNR is most effective when performed well. On a colony level, this means achieving and maintaining a sterilization rate as close to 100% as possible and being diligent about the cats’ long-term care. On a community level, TNR best reduces cat populations and nuisance complaints when resources, including trappers, spay/neuter surgeries and outreach, are targeted at sections of the community with high cat populations.
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]]>Types of Homeless Cats & the Benefits of Feeding Them
Since there is an overpopulation of street animals and not enough food for them all, many stray cats are underweight and sick. By giving them a regular supply of appropriate food, you can help keep them healthy. Here are three types of colony cats.
Feral
A feral cat wants nothing to do with humans. Most would be miserable if they were brought into a house, and would hide the entire time. They are typically born outside and taught how to survive by their mother. Note: just because a cat is born outside does not mean it is feral. A feral cat, by definition, wants nothing to do with people.
Feeder-Friendly
Social
A social cat is one that would be happy to live in a home with humans and interact with them. Social cats are your typical house cat, and do not belong outside. Most lack the basic skills needed to survive, such as avoiding roads and people who may do them harm.
Benefits of Feeding Stray / Colony Cats:
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