THE BIG FIX
Kitten season is here, one Texas Critter Crusaders knows all too well.
To help control the expanding population of feral felines in Taylor, the nonprofit is ramping up its trap-neuter-release program, but could use more help from donations and volunteers.
Organizers say it is necessary to maintain the TNR program, which involves humanely trapping cats, spaying or neutering them and then releasing them back to their home colony, where they can help control rodents and vermin.
Taylor has over 180 known cat colonies populated by an estimated 865 feral felines and counting.
At least 465 animals still need to be fixed or adopted, volunteers said.
“We don’t have many resources, but we do have some very dedicated volunteer trappers and people who transport the cats to make it possible to utilize the resources we can find,” said Nikki Shawger, a TCC volunteer.
All donations go directly to care for the animals.
“The Taylor community has always blown us away with their generosity and support, especially by donating to sick or injured animals when we have posted pleas for help (on social media),” Shawger added.
To assist, visit https://tinyurl.com/ TaylorAnimals.
For more information about the TNR program or to alert TCC to cats in need, email tnr@texascrittercrusaders. com.
The nonprofit originally was created to support the Taylor Animal Shelter.
According to TCC’s website, texascrittercrusaders. com, the group formed to “meet the unmet needs of the animals” in its care, including medical help, emergency surgeries, vaccinations and food.
TCC is not a part of the shelter and does not receive financial support from the city, according to Shawger.
“We do work with the shelter and support them, but we don’t get any funding from the city. We’re just a fly-bythe seat of our pants group of very dedicated people who work miracles,” Shawger said.
This year, TCC has already trapped, neutered and released more than 100 cats. In 2024, that number was 169, plus TCC managed to capture and tame 76 kittens for adoption.
“We foster kittens that we can catch from colonies that are young enough to be tamed and then adopted through the shelter,” Shawger said.
TCC also arranges foster homes for cats and provides funds for those that need medical care. Last year, the TNR taming, adoptions and veterinary costs totaled more than $18,000.
TCC also provides medical assistance for beloved pets of the elderly, disabled or lowincome owners.
Graph provided by Texas Critter Crusaders
A Texas Critter Crusaders volunteer works to tame a kitten with love and snuggles.
