On the prowl – to save stray cats

Oakbank

West Kildonan

Oakbank

West Kildonan

Cats on the road, in barns, on farms, wandering in yards. Some survive, some perish, some get adopted, some are left behind. Many others continue to breed, increasing the cat population at an alarming rate.

The city of Winnipeg could have as many as 100,000 feral cats roaming the streets, according to estimates from several local cat shelters. Beyond city limits, the issue continues in rural areas, and cat shelters and rescues would like to see that change.

There are people who work hard to help feral cat populations while giving humans the necessary information to contribute to much-needed change.

“We all work together and try to help when we can,” said Veronica Walsh, founder of Fixing Feral Felines, which has been providing access to reduced-cost spay/neutering for hundreds of feral and stray cats since 2017.

Walsh would love to see more support for what has become a full-time unpaid job for the retired 77-year-old social worker.

“Every rescue is overwhelmed,” she said, noting that volunteers are exhausted.

“There is no help from government, no support from laws as written, no protection for animals. Animal welfare organizations don’t get enough support.”

Meanwhile, Fixing Feline Ferals works alongside other groups to rescue cats from the streets, including pregnant ones and some which are FIV positive, so they can ultimately lead safe and happy lives indoors.

Spaying and neutering reduces spraying and marking, roaming, aggression, and even lowers the risk of cancers, while decreasing overpopulation and increasing cats’ lifespans.

Walsh is grateful for the community that has generously supported her efforts in spaying, neutering and feeding countless cats – including those found in a large colony. She knows that trapping, neutering and releasing cats requires a community effort.

When Walsh met an activist from West Kildonan who was fundraising for various rescues, she joined the effort, realized the scope of the problem, and began helping with fundraising and organizing.

After she began assisting people who requested help trapping cats, Walsh said her phone never stopped ringing. With help from her sister and a friend, she began feeding cats all winter, and then started trapping them.

Fixing Feral Felines advises people anywhere – both inside and outside the city. Walsh has found support through Oakbank Animal Hospital, which offers reduced costs for spaying and neutering.

“People are calling me from all over the place. I found out that if you give them directions, instructions and guidance on a personalized level, most people can figure it out. One of the reasons we have such a big problem is that they don’t know what to do. By providing one-on-one instruction, people can follow the process. They’re so grateful.”

From the North End to West Kildonan, to Scotia Heights to Oakbank and beyond, Walsh has helped other groups get started.

When Michelle Fehr moved to Scotia Street, she quickly discovered the abundance of roaming cats.

“Several I found as tiny kittens in the shelters I had made,” said Fehr.,“Neighbours found many frozen in their crawl spaces and sheds. Another litter was hit by cars and squished – at the entrance of Kildonan Park.”

That was what moved Fehr to begin trapping them, paying for surgeries and giving them time in aftercare.

With no previous experience with TNR (trap, neuter and release) processes, she struggled until she found Fixing Feral Felines. With their help she learned the best way to trap and care for the cats.

The collaboration established with Walsh and other volunteers in the community has been a labour of love, Fehr said.

More than anything, Walsh wants every community to be more aware of the issue.

“Do something immediately when you see a cat,” she said.

“The rescues are full. They can’t keep up. We need fosters, we need people to phone me up and ask how to bottle feed, how to trap, and transport,” she said, noting that she’s happy to put together a trapping session to get more resources into the community.

“Many of the wonderful, caring older generations of West Kildonan neighbours are passing on,” added Fehr. “They cared for these animals for so long. Now it’s time to look at how to manage this better and more humanely for the future of this beautiful, historic region of Winnipeg.”

A fundraising event for Fixing Feral Felines, featuring vendors, artists, crafters, and bakers will be held on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at West Kildonan Collegiate, 101 Ridgecrest Ave.

For more information, call 204-803-0855, email fffelines@gmail.com (donations are welcome) or follow them on Facebook.