Feral Cat Solutions

07/04/2025

Do not automatically take the kittens

02/04/2025

BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell are a HUGE help in the battle to control overpopulation in outdoor cats right here in Kent County. Their Fix the Future initiative is helping Feral Cat Solutions fix hundreds and hundreds of cats. We can’t do the great work we are doing without all the caring people who work with us in the community. Reach out if you have outdoor cats or kittens you need help with. Email us at [email protected] to get on our schedule for TNR or other help with outdoor cats. As always all of our services are free.

01/04/2025

30/03/2025

Reminder: if you need to contact Feral Cat Solutions, please email [email protected]
We can get mama cat fixed for free, take in kittens to socialize and fixed, then adopted through reputable rescues.

08/03/2025

It’s not even possible to thank all of you for the food and litter and kitten milk that was sent to us. All of the precious lives that count on us thank you.♥️🐈‍⬛

06/03/2025

Please share. We hope she gets a massive waiting list of dogs for surgery. KCAS is FULL of pitties that need homes. Be part of the solution and share so we can fill up those spots with pitbulls to neuter. Grand Rapids Pitbull Alliance dos such important work supporting folks keeping their pets out of the shelter. A local group committed to grassroots shelter diversion. They deserve our support.

Desperatly Seeking Male PITS to Fix for FREE! 🐾

Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance FIX - a -PIT Post 🐾

On March 31st we are participating in a Spay and Neuter clinic thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation ❤️ Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance will be transporting Community Dogs to the BPF Clinic. This is for owned pets in the Grand Rapids community.

We currently have spots available for intact Male Pit Bulls in Grand Rapids to be neutered!

All dogs will receive for free:

*Neuter
*Age appropriate vaccines
*Microchip
*Heartworm test

We will be transporting all dogs by renting 2 vans to transport the dogs to the Bissell Pet Foundation Clinic. *Bissell Pet Foundation partners with local Animal Welfare Organizations to transport community pets to these clinics.

The remaining spots are reserved for Male Pit Bull type dogs and residents of Grand Rapids.

As many of us are shelter staff, volunteers or volunteers with other rescues in our community we know far to well that Pit Bull type dogs make up the majority of the population of dogs in shelters and not because they did anything wrong.

Pit Bull type dogs are exploited by backyard breeders from breeding American Staffordshire Terriers to what they refer to as Exotic Bully breed and more. These dogs are cross bred with anything and everything to create a
"Look". They are poorly bred, over bred, and lack any proper husbandry practices. Often these dogs are dumped when they are not what the "breeders" want, or if a medical issue arises they prefer to dump or euthanize rather then provide veterinary care. Females are dumped after they feel they are not producing and sadly their life was often nothing more than carrying puppies and never enjoying a happy life dogs do deserve.

Pit Bull type dogs are used in blood sports (Dog Fighting) bred and exploited to live a life of pure cruelty.

Pit Bull type dogs are excluded and banned from rental housing, HOAs making it hard on people who do rent to find affordable pet inclusive housing. Often having to transfer care of their pets to a shelter or rescue when they cannot secure housing for themselves and their pets.

Pit Bull type dogs get passed around and rehomed intact and then all the sudden a dog is pregnant with what some call a "Oops" Litter.

We get emails, calls from individuals who seek assistance for their dogs after they bred them because they can't afford to provide for the dogs and puppies who initially thought it would be a great idea to breed them. They also have a hard time finding homes or "buyers" for their puppies. We have helped transfer these puppies from litters to rescue and to the shelter because the people who bred them can't home, care or provide for them.

Trust us there are no lack of dogs in the Shelter for adoption and there is absolutely no lack of amazing Pit Bull type dogs up for adoption! There is absolutely no need to breed them. Part of our mission is preventing more animals from entering the shelter system especially Pit Bull type dogs. Spaying and neutering of all pets should be a priority, we need to stop the cycle.

Every shelter in Michigan is currently at capacity pleaing with their communities daily about the amount of animals in their care and lack of reclaims of lost pets and adoptions. Spay and Neuter has been proven to reduce homeless pets populations.

If you are low income, have a intact Male Pit Bull and reside in Grand Rapids please email us to get your dog on the list for the March 31st clinic with Bissell Pet Foundation.

[email protected]

*Spay and Neutering of pets helps with the overpopulation of homeless pets as well as prevents multiple deadly diseases such as Pyometra and Testicular cancer.

*Photo of a GRPBA Ambass-a-Bull Pepper Earl who enjoys being swaddled. Pepper is a Neutered Pit Bull who is also a Dog Fighting Survivor from Bark Nation. Pepper wants all his friends to be spayed and neutered and live happier healthy lives!

Thank you Bissell Pet Foundation!!!

05/03/2025

We are overwhelmed with need. So many caregivers are asking for help and kitten season is starting. If you are able to help us continue to help caregivers feed their colony cats or stock up on kitten supplies please oh please will will love you forever. for real:)
Our Chewy wishlist link is https://www.chewy.com/g/feral-cat-solutions_b100881748 -list&wishlistsortby=AVAILABILITY

Even a bag of cat food would help so much. Our cupboards are pretty bare. As always we are available to help fix outdoor cats in Kent County MI for free. We loan traps and coordinate free TNR for all who want to help outdoor cats. The best way to reduce suffering is by spaying and neutering anyone you feed.

Reach out by email to [email protected] to get on our schedule.

01/03/2025

It’s official. Kitten season has started. All of these precious babies came in today. Mom and six tiny babies and two singletons. More being trapped tomorrow. If you need help with kittens OR kitten prevention email us.
If you want to join our devoted kitten foster crew email us. We are launching a new kitten group. We use fosters to socialize kittens trapped outdoors. It is a commitment of several weeks. We supply food and litter. Kittens are not vetted until we surrender them so they need a place separate from your pets. A cage or bathroom is ideal. Lots of people use unused space in their basements. Socializing a feral kitten is really rewarding and we can’t do this work without you:)
As always spay and neuter. Neuter and spay. We can fix outdoor or indoor . outdoor cats in Kent county for free. Our email is [email protected]
Reach out to foster or for assistance.

28/02/2025

Many people approach me looking for free spay and neuter services for dogs. This is a wonderful opportunity to get your pitty pooch fixed. The pitbull alliance does fantastic work trying to support dog owners and keep these dogs out of shelters. Donations to Grand Rapids Pitbull Alliance are so much appreciated. If you have a friend or neighbor with an unfixed pitty share with them:) Shelter diversion is difficult but rewarding work. We applaud them.

25/02/2025

If you can make room in your heart for Gus I guarantee he will love you for the rest of his life. If a kitty ever deserved a break it is Gus.

Gus' story is truly heartbreaking. He was discovered alongside 14 other cats left behind by their previous owner.

Many people on Facebook shared messages asking for help showing their concern for these deserted animals. A kind veterinarian (Dr.Amy Quick Fix Veterinary Clinic ) responded to the calls for help and went out to rescue them. She trapped all the cats ensuring they would receive the care they desperately needed.

Gus was in the worst condition among all the animals. He had already been declawed on all 4 paws. To make issues worse a flea collar was stuck around his infected mouth wrapping tightly around his head. This painful situation made it difficult for him to eat and drink. It was clear that Gus needed immediate help to recover from his injuries and find a safe place to heal. While debating whether or not it would be better to euthanize Gus, the vet gave him a chance. After getting the collar off and getting him cleaned up, Gus was very thankful.

He is a chatter box who loves people. He walks around and rubs on everyone asking for pets. Gus is still pretty playful and he absolutely loves catnip.

Unfortunately Gus doesn't get along with other cats. He wants to be King of the kingdom and given all that he has been through, we understand.

We are looking for an understanding adopter, foster, or forever foster (we will cont. to pay for medical) for Gus.

https://communitycatcrew.org/adoption-application/

25/02/2025

The overwhelming majority of female cats we are getting fixed are either in heat or pregnant. Please please if you have a female kitty outdoors where you live whether friendly or feral reach out to us today for free spay services. We loan traps and advise on how to trap feral kitties on our intake days. Email us at [email protected] to get on our schedule. We have availability next week. As always we are able to find adoptive homes for kittens and we want to be sure momma is fixed. Closing the circle is super important in our quest to reduce the suffering that is overpopulation. Reach out today!

06/02/2025

Ten winter kittens, six from one farm in Greenville, heading for their forever 🏡🐈‍⬛homes! Thanks to all who helped with this, those who trapped these kittens, those who socialize them and those who donate to us so we have the supplies to be able to care for all of the kittens born outdoors. No more outside for these guys.
If you have it in your heart to help support us now is a great time to help us build up our Kitten fund. We are fixing a lot of cats and finding that quite a few of them are pregnant. This is a predictor of an early kitten season we would sure like to be ready for it. We provide all of the supplies for our kitten, Fosters , and we place all of the kittens with rescues and shelters so they all go to responsible indoor homes. Every single kitten needs to be socialized. We have a team of devoted volunteers that socialize the kittens. Even a donation of $10 would help us so much.

23/01/2025

We are still here to help folks with outdoor cats in Kent county. Be in touch by email to schedule for TNR with us starting the beginning of February. Taking a wee break and working on some large colonies in GR to try to head off major baby making. Our email is [email protected] to get on our schedule. Kindly send first name address and brief description of the situation. We will get back with you:)

20/01/2025

A repeat of an old and good video. Still good information.

20/01/2025

Hypothermia in Cats what you can do

Hypothermia is a medical emergency, and occurs when a cat is exposed to the cold for a prolonged period of time. In this article, Dr. Rhiannon Koehler explains the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of hypothermia in cats.

20/01/2025

Fix The Future is our Future

How the BISSELL Pet Foundation is Saving Lives Through Adoption, Spay/Neuter Programs, and Disaster Response

20/01/2025

LOTS of good information here.

Very long informative post with a flyer on what to do if you Find a lost Pet 🐾

Please read in it's entirety and please share 🙏🏽

FOUND PET TIPS - COMMUNITY HELP NEEDED 🐾

We are seeing many found pet posts across our community, and we want to extend a big THANK YOU to everyone holding onto these animals, even for just a night, while searching for their families. The act of keeping a found animal for even 24 hours dramatically increases their chances of reuniting with their family and prevents them from entering our overwhelmed shelter system.

The Current Challenge
In addition to animal shelters in our community and across the nation facing a crisis with increasing numbers of animals entering shelters with decreasing adoptions and pet reclaims there is critical space shortages. Our own local municipal animal shelter, the Kent County Animal Shelter is undergoing a renovation project which will last 3 months. The shelter will be moving to a temporary location during this time.The temporary location is about half the space of the animal shelter meaning half the kennel space.

There is need for community support now more than ever!

We're asking our community to be heroes - when you find a lost pet, consider holding onto them while searching for their family. This small act of kindness could mean the difference between a happy reunion or a pet lost in the shelter system.

Found a Lost Pet? Here's Your Step-by-Step Guide

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

1. Safely Contain the Pet
- If possible, safely approach and contain the pet. If this at your residence contain the pet in your yard or home
- Take clear photos and note the exact location and time
- Provide water immediately, and food if the pet appears hungry
- Keep found pets separate from your own pets initially

2. Check for Identification
- Look for a collar and tags
- Have a veterinarian scan for a microchip (most offer this service for free) there are two 24-hour microchip scanning stations in Kent County.

📍Scan Station #1
Kent County Animal Shelter
740 Fuller Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

📍Scan Station #2
Kent County North Campus
4191 17 Mile RD NE
Cedar Springs, MI 49319

Many police departments also have microchip scanners.
- Take note of any distinctive features, markings, or behaviors

3. Document Everything
- Take clear photos of the pet from multiple angles
- Note exactly where and when you found them
- Record any identifying characteristics
- Color of collar, harness, etc
- Keep a log of your search efforts

4. Start Local Search Efforts
- Canvas the immediate neighborhood where you found the pet
- Contact the Animal Shelter to file a Found pet report and inquire if they have been contacted about a missing pet with the same description of the pet you found
- Put up bright, waterproof signs at major intersections near the finding location
- Ask neighbors if they recognize the pet
- Check with nearby businesses, especially if they have security cameras

5. Working with Shelters
- Contact the Animal Shelter to file a Found pet report and inquire if they have been contacted about a missing pet with the same description of the pet you found
- Inquire about Stray to Foster, many shelters now offer these programs and will provide support and supplies to you for the found pet.
- Provide them with photos of the pet and your contact information
- Inquire about courtesy posts on their social media

Digital Outreach

6. Online Posting Strategy
- Post on neighborhood apps (Nextdoor, Ring, Petco Love Lost)
- Share on local Facebook pet groups
- Post on local lost pet websites
- Use platforms like Pawboost
- Include:
- Clear photos
- Location and date found
- Basic description (breed, color, size, gender, spay/neuter (look for a tattoo)
- Your contact information

7. Check Existing Posts
- Search "lost pet" posts in your area
- Look through local shelter websites
- Look at Petco Love Lost
- Check community bulletin boards
- Review local lost pet databases

Extended Care (Beyond 24 Hours)

8. Temporary Fostering
- Provide a quiet, secure space
- Continue feeding and basic care
- Document any medical concerns
- Take daily photos of the pet
- Keep searching and posting updates

Owner Verification

9. When Someone Claims the Pet
- Ask for photos of the pet
- Request specific identifying details
- Verify vet records if possible
- Meet in a safe, public location
- Document the reunion with photos and contact information

Prevention Tips

10. Community Education
- Encourage microchipping
- Recommend ID tags with current information
- Suggest pet registration with local authorities
- Promote proper fencing and leash usage
-Offer fence repair assistance to neighbors
- Share the importance of current pet photos

Important Notes
- Never assume a pet is abandoned
- Never assume pet is neglected, some pets may have been missing for a duration of time and they lose weight
- Keep searching for at least 30 days
- Update and share often, remove finding posts once resolved
- Follow local laws regarding found pets
- Contact animal control for injured or aggressive animals

Remember: Your efforts to help keep this pet in the community greatly increase their chances of reunification with their family and help preserve vital shelter space for emergency cases.

19/01/2025

We are looking for a new community cat caregiver for a home that an elderly couple moved out of as they could not care for the home and live independently any longer. There are approximately 20 cats it is at this intersection. I believe this is Bellknap lookout. We would love to find someone who would be able to feed and put freshwater out there or maybe a couple of people that would switch off days helping these cats so they do not starve. I believe there is some trapping that needs to be done in the spring. We would assist with that. I was hoping to share this in some neighborhood groups to try to facilitate a new caregiver to look after this colony. We have permission to feed on the porch. Please be in touch if you’re able to assist with us ideally, we would have a couple of people that live close by that could pop in every day and spend about five minutes feeding and putting out freshwater.