Picture via Facebook
They say cats have nine lives, but of course, that isn't true. In fact, for feral cats that one life can be extremely short.
On average, a feral cat that is not neutered or spayed only has a life expectancy of about two years, according to Animal Advocacy.
However, that number jumps to seven years if the feral feline is fixed.
The reasons for this are fairly simple: males who are not neutered are more aggressive and get in more fights, while females who are not spayed have so many litters of kittens that they lack enough nutrition to sustain themselves and their young.
The Cat and Dog Protection Association (CDPA) is urging all animal lovers to keep an eye out for feral cats in their area. If you've noticed a feline in your neighbourhood or been feeding one, contact the CDPA immediately.
Once you've called the organisation, they send out a trapper to humanely trap the cat, take it to the vet to be fixed, and return the feline to the outdoors or send it to a foster home if it is a kitten.
This method is called trap-neuter-return (TNR), and it literally saves lives.
CDPA trapper Carmel knows this firsthand. She's been trapping for about 17 years, ever since she first noticed stray cats roaming around on an Air Force base in Texas.
Carmel estimates that she traps about 8 to 10 cats a week, or even as many as 15 if she's trapping a large colony.
She hopes that people avail of CDPA's services, as they are only at the cost of a voluntary donation.
"I've had one woman give me Maltesers before," Carmel noted.
Often getting a cat neutered or spayed costs about €70 at a private vet, so the CDPA's services are vital, especially in low-income areas with large feral cat colonies. The CDPA cover the costs of these important operations.
Volunteers even sometimes construct shelters for released cats to keep warm in during cold weather spells.
However, in return the CDPA needs the help of the community. Whether it be calling in about feral cats, fostering kittens, donating money, or becoming a trapper yourself.
Those who choose to foster kittens receive advice, kitty litter, and food from the organisation. As well, you can enjoy the company of a cute kitten without the lifelong commitment of adoption.
Becoming a trapper is also a rewarding opportunity, and there will also be a paid trapping position available soon. Trappers are provided with traps and a vehicle to drive out to sites.
To get in touch with the CDPA, call 01 888 0828, and you can leave a message with your name and phone number. The CPDA is also contactable on their Facebook page.
So now that the cat's out of the bag, what's stopping you? Let's go save some feline lives!
