What Is a feral cat?
These are cats born and raised in the wild; very rarely can they be tamed. Often they group together to form "colonies". Many colonies become inter-bred, producing unhealthy kitttens. Other cats, those that have been someone's pet, get lost or abandoned. In some cases, if recovered, they may be adopted.
colony life
Feral cats are found in every state; many exist in urban areas becoming "alley cats" with business owners providing food and shelter. In return the cats keep down the mice, rats and other vermin. Feral cat colonies also exist in cities, suburbs and urban areas. Often one person provides food and shelter.
Here's the problem: if left unchecked (not spayed or neutered) they reproduce rapidly, Females can breed as early as 4 months, producing 1.3 litters, with an average of 3 kittens per litter, only 25% surviving 6 months.
how we help
The Cochise County Humane Society (CCHS) administers a Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program . Cats are trapped, taken to a veterinarian for a health check, sterilized, given rabies shots and returned to their colony. It is standard practice to clip a tip of an ear to indicate that the cat is a neutered feral.
CCHS does not get government funding, and we are all volunteers. Our only funding comes from donations, bequests and grants.
how you can help
If you have a cat colony or know someone who does and needs assistance, call our Spay/Neuter line at (520) 955-0668.
If you can volunteer a few hours a month (telephone calls, flyers, transportation, bookkeeping, etc.) please contact us.
We gratefully accept monetary donations! We are a non-profit 501 (c) 3 and your contributions may be tax dedictable.
Checks may be sent to:
Cochise County Humane Society
P. O. Box 1516
Sierra Vista, AZ 85636