Good news for the people of Taylor as concerns the animal overpopulation, in particular the cat groups.
Feral cats often live in colonies, and groups of feral cats live together in one territory, often near food sources and shelter.
That is the definition and situation here in our city.
There is care for the feral colonies. Care can include regularly supplying food and water, providing shelters, helping with trapneuter-return programs, providing continued veterinary care, finding foster homes for cats that can be socialized for eventual adoption and working to educate people who live in the neighborhood.
Education is always needed as people come and go in towns.
I have been up close and personal to this situation the last couple of months when a pregnant cat and her two smaller kittens decided to settle in my backyard.
I searched out and learned the history and availability of help in the area. I was told it would be months before help arrived.
In the meantime, I walked around to my neighbors to see what they knew and was surprised that several were on it. These people were connected with the Texas Critter Crusaders and the TNR (Trap Neuter Release Program). I was so thankful to have come across the information and not only that, but we were now working together as a group. So, now I had help.
Taylor has a group called Texas Critter Crusaders (TCC), which is a 501(C)(3) non-profit that raises funds for and volunteers to benefit the medical and other unmet needs of all animals. They also administer the funds for TNR surgeries.
TCC holds many fundraisers, microchip and adoption events throughout the year and are always in need of more volunteers.
For more information or to volunteer, email txcrittercrusaders@ gmail.com. Here is another website with information you can research on your own at https://www.alleycat.org/. Much of today’s TNR protocols come from their proven successful efforts.
The shelter here in Taylor is rapidly improving in the number of surgeries for their non-feral animals. Please call them if you have an emergency situation such as I did. They too have good ideas and will help you to the best of their ability.
Something else to be aware of is that we have too few vets and hopefully, the city is searching for those needed animal physicians.
To end, don’t give up hope, look to your neighbors for assistance.
