28/10/2024
The ferals need help but be sure to get a plan in place before (humanely) trapping.
DO NOT TRAP WITHOUT A PLAN
With fall officially upon us, the nights have become cooler and, as a result, we have been inundated with calls for help from all over the state. While we receive calls daily for everything from requests for spay/neuter assistance to people wanting to rehome their cat, the calls as of late have been for intake requests “due to the cold.” The common theme among many of these calls is individuals acting without a plan and expecting an immediate response to their request.
Spirits Place is a volunteer organization that provides care to 200+ cats every day. Unlike our shelter partners, we do not have contractual obligations and subsequent funding from our community. In addition, we do not import animals from out of state then tell our community we are unable to help. To be clear we do not want to see any animals euthanized just because there is no space. We just want to ensure that Maine cats have priority, and adoptable cats are not left on the streets. Because of our limited access to funding and workforce, we are reaching out to our community. We need your help…
What can you, as a member of the public, do to help your neighborhood cats?
To start, always have a plan before trapping or catching a cat. Acting without a plan can often be detrimental to the animal you are trying to help.
If you are trying to surrender the cat, do you know your contracting shelters policy on community cats and strays? If the ACO will not take the cat and the shelter will not accept the cat, are you able to trap the cat and transport him/her to a spay/neuter appointment? There are several low-cost clinics and voucher programs available to the community, especially for those caring for community cats. The lists are long, and you may have to wait. Get on a list asap. Will your own veterinarian help you with an abandoned cat since you are an established customer?
Are you able to provide shelter, food/water, and a safe place for the cat(s) in need? The sad reality is that feral cats do not fare well in the shelter system. Often these cats are euthanized under the guise of illness or injury, even here in the “no kill” state of Maine. Keeping these cats out of the shelter system is imperative. The shelter model is designed for adoptable animals. Community cats are bonded to one another and their habitat. Relocation even when necessary is traumatic.
Are you able to provide a temporary space for these cats until you are able to responsibly find a home for them?
We have reached a point in the state of Maine where our shelters are not able to fulfill their obligations and commitments to the communities they serve. This is not a judgment or matter of opinion; it is a fact. When you call your local ACO, there is not always going to be a solution. What happens to these animals once they enter the shelter system? Do you know? Do you care? Or are you simply happy because the problem (the cat) is gone, out of sight? We are all frustrated with the lack of resources for feral, stray and community cats. The reality is you may be the only resource these cats have.
In an ideal world all cats would be indoors, loved, and wanted. Many are not that fortunate and are forced to live their lives on the street. We can no longer adopt our way out of this crisis. The unfortunate reality is that cats are being shot, poisoned, dumped, run over on purpose or worse. Just recently, a gentleman trapped a cat in Winslow without a plan and took him to the local shelter. Despite this cat sitting in a trap, the gentleman was turned away and told by the ACO to either “dump” the cat in another town or call us. This is unacceptable and sadly, it happens daily. These cats are already up against it and dumping them in another town or remote area to fend for themselves is inhumane. It has been our experience that most of the cats are poorly accessed, and many are frightened abandoned pets. Just because a cat is outside does not mean it is feral. Do you know the difference?
We cannot be everywhere or take every fractious cat with nowhere to go. We understand not everyone cares. We are reaching out to the people that do. It amazes us how many people call or come through our door daily that can’t handle their own cat situation or are outraged by being inconvenienced by a stray. We are here to tell you that you can do something if you want to and that you may be the best or only option this animal has at the present moment. If you are willing to step up, we are here to support. The best way to reach us is via email or messenger. Unfortunately, we do not have the workforce for lengthy phone calls and visits. PLEASE FOR THE SAKE OF THE CAT(S) DO NOT TRAP WITHOUT A PLAN.
Help spread the word and garner help for the cats outside that have no access to a shelter facility or spay/neuter support. As always, THANK YOU to all our supporters! We could not do what we do without you! Once again, we are asking you for more. Please help spread the word and help us help the cats.
