The Mission to Help Feral Cats – It Takes More Than One Day to Make a Difference

Since 2001, October 16th has been known as National Feral Cat Day – an opportunity to raise awareness about community cats (also called feral or stray), promote Trap-Neuter-Return, and give a voice to the millions of caring people who dedicate their time and energy to improving the lives of the cats & kittens most in need of support. It is estimated that there are around 60-100 million stray cats in the US, and we know that it takes more than just one day to make a meaningful difference in a problem this overwhelming. That’s why many feline rescue groups want to turn Feral Cat Day into Feral Cat Awareness Month.

Leading the charge is Mission Meow, a unique organization that supports small feline-focused nonprofits with impactful grants, helping to deliver lasting transformations for cats in need. Throughout the year, they coordinate with donors to provide much-needed funding to animal charities across the country, giving smaller groups the means to continue their vital work. To celebrate Mission Meow’s 4th Anniversary and #FeralCatAwarenessMonth, the latest round of grant recipients have been selected in recognition of the work they do to address one of the biggest challenges facing cat rescue: overpopulation.

Trap-Neuter-Return

One of the most impactful initiatives in managing stray and feral cat communities is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). 

“TNR tackles the problem at its source by humanely reducing the number of kittens being born outdoors while improving the lives of existing community cats,” says Sally Williams, founder and CEO of Mission Meow. “With our anniversary falling during Feral Cat Awareness Month, it felt like the perfect opportunity to shine a light on this critical work and invest in organizations creating long-term, sustainable change.”

With that in mind, five nonprofit organizations were selected for this round of Mission Meow grants:

Community Cat Welfare Network

Community Cat Welfare Network in Pinehurst, North Carolina supports the humane welfare and stabilization of existing community cat colonies in central North Carolina through the provision of food, insulated winter shelters, veterinary care, humane population stabilization efforts, and public education.

Grant funding will provide 20 winter shelters for stabilized community cat colonies.

Fix & Feed Feline Feral 

Through the work of Fix & Feed Feline Feral in Tampa, Florida, stray cats and kittens are humanely trapped and spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies, and returned to their colonies, which are managed by caring volunteers. The health of these feline communities is supported through health checkups, annual vaccinations, and specific health care as needed.

Grant funding supports TNR equipment and an incubator to expand their growing community program. 

Lupa Legacy Animal Rescue

Lupa Legacy Animal Rescue provides medical care to homeless pets in central Oklahoma, with a focus on owner-surrendered pets and tame, stray cats and kittens from TNR efforts.

Grant funding will help provide TNR equipment and microchip readers to expand trapping efforts to a nearby trailer park.

Hands to Paws Rescue

Hands to Paws Rescue in Georgia initiates and supports programs that extend and elevate the standards of compassionate care for companion animals in the greater Augusta area by providing educational programs, direct care, and cooperative efforts to increase access to low-cost spay/neuter, rescue, fostering, and adoption of animals.

Grant funding supports TNR equipment to help expand their community cat spay/neuter transportation program.

TippedEars

TippedEars in Compton, California, is combating cat overpopulation through humane TNR. While in their care, community cats are sterilized, vaccinated, and treated for fleas.

Grant funding supports TNR equipment to create a trap-lending program for trained community members.

The Selection Process

Each organization stood out in its own unique way, but they all shared qualities that are deeply important to Mission Meow. They are collaborative, community-focused, and committed to TNR, addressing cat overpopulation at its source. Many work with underserved communities and focus on community cats who could easily be overlooked. Most importantly, they understand that creating lasting change means not only helping the cats in front of us today, but also working to prevent more cats from needing help tomorrow.

Even little changes can have a huge impact, and there is no such thing as a ‘small’ donation – every little bit helps. Start at home by supporting local animal shelters and TNR programs, spay & neuter your cats, and when you’re looking for a new feline friend, think adoption first.