Cats, either abandoned or lost, became a huge problem in the aftermath of the Dixie Fire in Plumas County.
“Feral cats reproduce at an alarming rate, and face numerous challenges in their outdoor environment, including exposure to diseases, injuries, and parasites,” says Barbara Montandon, a Director of Plumas Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). This also can pose a risk to the general population. Unneutered male cats often exhibit aggressive behavior and territorial marking. Feral cats are susceptible to various infectious diseases that can not only harm them but also pose a risk to other animals and humans. When a cat population explodes and is left unchecked, it can have a detrimental impact on a local ecosystem. Spaying, neutering, and vaccinating feral cats plays a vital role in controlling their population, improving their health, and safeguarding the well-being of the communities they inhabit.
When TAF was approached by PAWS in partnership with Friends of Plumas Animals, the foundation was happy to support this effort of controlling the population by giving a $10,000 grant. The funds were used to purchase traps, pay for veterinary treatment and care, medications, rabies vaccines, supplies, and housing until the cats can be released. “This is the humane thing to do for these cats,” adds Montandon.
The “Spayathon,” held in Crescent Mills on October 14, resulted in spaying/neutering 82 feral cats, which were then released to their outdoor homes base after being given a rabies vaccine. Veterinarians Dr. Frank Merrill and Dr. Michelle Kelley offered their services to perform the surgeries. In addition to the vets, two veterinary technicians traveled with Kelley to do pre-surgery exams, assist in the surgeries and give vaccinations.
Along with the vet team, a host of volunteers from all over Plumas County trapped and transported cats, assisted the vets, cleaned traps, ran for supplies, provided food all day, cared for the animals overnight after their surgeries, and generally were available for any chore needed to get the animals to the clinic and then safely home the next day.
“With the partnered funding and the community of volunteers, this once again demonstrates how a small rural community can make a difference Iin everyone’s quality of life – even animals – when we work together,” says Judith Chynoweth, the Almanor Foundation board chair.