My house has long been a stray cat magnet. I don't know if they smell the cat food, or if people drop them off because they know I'm going to take care of them. Four of the five cats I currently have were strays. I recently set up a trail cam on my porch to get an accurate count of how many cats I'm actually feeding. I've seen two extra cats and one very fat raccoon so far, so I'm hoping to get pictures.
This is not just a problem at my house, though. All over town you see cats and kittens dashing between the shadows or foraging in dumpsters. I've picked up kittens off the side of country roads and gotten them a new home or to a rescue. I've decided it's time to make my actions official and start a non-profit dedicated to managing the feral cat population with TNR (trap, neuter, release), and finding homes for feral kittens and stray adults. You can read more about the difference between stray and feral cats here.
To that end, I'm going to need your help. I'm currently soliciting for founding board members who live in Panola County, MS and are willing to volunteer their time to get the non-profit up and running and form a solid group of committed volunteers to continue the work as long as it's needed. We have an amazing Humane Society group in Batesville that focuses on rescuing puppies and dogs (which is a major issue by itself), and several cat rescues in the surrounding counties. There is not a local group focused on cats only. Managing feral cats and reducing the stray cat population is the only focus of this organization.
Here's what we need:
This is not just a problem at my house, though. All over town you see cats and kittens dashing between the shadows or foraging in dumpsters. I've picked up kittens off the side of country roads and gotten them a new home or to a rescue. I've decided it's time to make my actions official and start a non-profit dedicated to managing the feral cat population with TNR (trap, neuter, release), and finding homes for feral kittens and stray adults. You can read more about the difference between stray and feral cats here.
To that end, I'm going to need your help. I'm currently soliciting for founding board members who live in Panola County, MS and are willing to volunteer their time to get the non-profit up and running and form a solid group of committed volunteers to continue the work as long as it's needed. We have an amazing Humane Society group in Batesville that focuses on rescuing puppies and dogs (which is a major issue by itself), and several cat rescues in the surrounding counties. There is not a local group focused on cats only. Managing feral cats and reducing the stray cat population is the only focus of this organization.
Here's what we need:
- 2-3 founding board members, including myself
- Funding - this will be never ending
- A set of by laws and articles of incorporation
- Volunteers, live traps, trail cams, cat food, a friendly veterinarian who can offer a discounted rate for our group
What we have to do:
- Get the word out. I already have a Facebook page, group, and an Instagram account in addition to this blog. Like, follow, share, and pass it on.
- File for non-profit status, incorporate with the State of Mississippi, apply for sales tax exemption, adopt a set of by laws, and find a small building to rent (eventually).
- Fundraise, fundraise, fundraise.
If you can provide ANY information or resources, or would like to volunteer your time or expertise to the cause, please send an e-mail to info@pancats.com. If you would like to donate to our initial expenses (filing fees, etc.), please donate here.
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