National Feral Day, October 16: Get Involved!

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| Print | By Jo Singer | October 13, 2009 2:32 PM

October 16 is the ninth annual National Feral Day. This day is celebrated by cat lovers across the country with the goal of spreading the word that feral cats are happy and healthy living outdoors, and to educate the public about how Trap-Neuter-Return, (TNR) programs actually make a significant difference in the lives of these very special felines.

This year, Alley Cats Allies are geared up for their biggest campaign yet, and credits this to their "ambitious advertising and outreach efforts". To date, with the greatest number of people participating in the event to date, their inspiring message will reach many people to take action in support of our country's cats.

13-National feral day.jpg Thus far over 75 individuals have already planned events which include neutering local cats, building shelters for the cats' protection during the winter, and helping to educate the public about this amazingly strong and vibrant member of the feline community. Alley Cats Allies reports that hundreds or even thousands of cat lovers will participate by displaying the National Feral Cat posters in their communities.

TNR programs are specially designed for feral (wild) cats who survive and thrive outdoors. These programs are highly successful and as such are widely utilized. These programs help to reduce the population of cats and to maintain healthy populations. These cats help to reduce the number of rodents as well as communicable feline diseases which can be spread to domesticated felines.

Feral cats are different than stray cats. They are domesticated cats which have either been abandoned, or have never had contact with humans. Found in both urban and suburban areas, some living in barns or farms, these cats generally will not let humans touch them. TNR programs are very effective in reducing stray cat populations as well, and prevent the needless euthanasia of cats that often end up in overpopulated shelters.

For more information about how to get involved in a TNR program, visit: http://ezinearticles.com/Feral

Since National Feral Day, (NFCD) provides cat lovers to help improve the welfare of cats around the country; you can get involved in helping the welfare of these cats throughout the country. NFCD is the ideal opportunity to share your love for felines.

1. Make plans with your cat loving friends to help organize a TNR effort in your community.

2. Educate people about these outdoor cats and how they help keep the rodent population under control.

3. Organize a bake sale, and donate the profits to Alley Cat Allies.

4. Since the holidays are approaching, ask your craft making friends to make some attractive cat toys filled with catnip as gifts for their cat loving friends. Contact Alley Cat Allies at: donate@alleycat.org

5. Visit the Alley Cat Allies website to download or purchase their attractive poster. Place them in strategic locations in your neighborhood to help publicize this very special day.

Leave a comment with other ideas in which folks may get involved. Let's help make this annual celebration a spectacular success.

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (224) , Cats (79) , Events (13) , Feral (1) , Rescue (14) , TNR (1)

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jmuhj October 13, 2009 4:49 PM

As a longtime ACA supporter, I would encourage everyone who cares about cats -- any cats! -- to join ACA and become a regular supporter. Their site has a wealth of information and tools we can use to educate others about, and save, cats -- who are an asset to any community, once TNR and responsible caregivers are in place!

Vicki October 13, 2009 5:17 PM

I think this is great. I often wonder about these special felines and worry about the very cold temps in winter and their survival. I hope many people will be involved.

Iniki October 13, 2009 6:01 PM

Way ahead of you on this one. We have TNRed several ferals this year and had three to the vet for treatment. Unfortunately one was euthanized. We have there winter quarters ready for them and we were recently given a supply of dry food too. :)

Peggy October 14, 2009 12:06 PM

I really believe the government should have free spay/neuter clinics. I know so many people who just don't have the money to neuter their pets. I believe, in the long run, the government would save money because eventually, we wouldn't have to buy so much food or have so many employees.

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