National Feral Cat Day

Did you know that over 50% of all cats in the US are either strays or ferals? Estimates indicate that the feral and stray cat population in the United States includes at least 60 million cats, and the total number may actually be as massive as 100 million. By comparison, the US has approximately 45 million house cats (data from Catster). Ferals, or cats who either grow up away from human contact or become unaccustomed to human contact over time, are a fast-growing feline group. National Feral Cat Day on October 16 is dedicated to awareness of feral cats’ needs. To learn more about the circumstances surrounding feral cats, we interviewed Tiffany LeMasters from Wild Blue Cats Rescue in Colorado Springs.

How long have you been volunteering with Wild Blue Cats Rescue? What kinds of tasks

have you done for the rescue?

I have been volunteering with Wild Blue Cats Rescue since 2021. I first started working at our sanctuary on shifts and with the sanctuary medical team. I currently volunteer on the surgical team, as a feral foster, on the TNR [Trap, Neuter, Return] team, and as an adoption counselor. A large part of what I do now is feral cat and barn cat adoptions as part of the Working Cats Program. I help in other areas as needed; adoption fairs, Petco fill in, BBB (Bilbo’s Barn Buddies) care.

Are there some myths or common misinformation about barn cats or feral cats that need to be dispelled?

One of the biggest myths or common misinformation about feral and barn cats is that they are domesticated animals. Feral cats are not domesticated! They love darkness and sleeping where they use the bathroom. They are night hunters. I always talk with our feral cats’ and barn cats' adopters on the behavior, especially if children will be around. Another common piece of misinformation that I feel should be addressed is that ferals and barn cats can live solely on mousing alone and owners shouldn’t feed them. That is incorrect. Feral cats need access to wet and/or dry foods and fresh water to maintain health and wellness. They can’t live a long healthy life off of mousing alone.

How does Wild Blue help barn cats and feral cats and educate the public about them?

Wild Blue helps/saves barn cats and feral cats by intaking them into our Working Cats Program. Wild Blue gives them medical care, along with spaying or neutering, and placing them in our barnios-BBB (Bilbo’s Barn Buddies) on site where they establish a bond with others in preparation for a new barn home, or they remain with their colony if we are doing a trapping a project. Wild Blue Cats’ TNR team coordinates with colony managers around the approved areas for trapping of colonies that need a new home. Wild Blue Cats also has fliers, brochures and videos that talk about helping feral cats. In return, this helps teach the public about the problem of not fixing cats and how to help mitigate colonies that people may find living on their property. Wild Blue Cats has a media and events team that puts together information for events that includes brochures, videos, and participation from members of our Working Cats Program team to help get the word out. Most of our projects come from word of mouth.

In what ways do barn cats/mousers help ranches and other businesses?

Barn cats/mousers are priceless to most businesses and ranches because they provide rodent

and pest control without the harmful use of chemicals. They are also companions to other barn animals. Some even become friendly to their feeder over time. So many times I hear how much rodents destroy tack, lurk under the hoods of cars and farm equipment, ruin feed bags, and cost

thousands of dollars in damage. Businesses and ranches are thankful for our Working Cats

Program.

How important is TNR [Trap, Neuter, Return] for the feral cat population?

TNR is extremely important for the feral cat population because it stops the breeding cycle, stops inbreeding, cuts down on infections and diseases, and stabilizes the colonies. TNVR [Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return] also helps some colonies stay where they are. A team can go out and support a colony manager by trapping, neutering, vaccinating and releasing the colony, so it will be easier to maintain.

Are there any stories about your experience with barn cats or feral cats that you’d like to share?

There’s so many stories! Placing a barn cat into their furever home after coming in from poor

conditions are great stories! Fostering feral moms-to-be is probably the most rewarding! Like the

story of my recent feral foster Ghost, she came in from a TNVR expecting to get spayed along

with her five kittens–instead she was pregnant and malnourished. Her five spicy kittens came into foster with me. A few weeks later, Ghost did too. Her five kittens became fabulous and were adopted as healthy, indoor cats! Ghost and I developed a friendship during her pregnancy. Occasionally she would allow pets. In our care, Ghost gave birth to a litter of 10 kittens. She allowed us to help her with the kittens, touching them without striking or using gloves. She was such a great mom but tired. Wild Blue’s vet found Ghost to be anemic at her spay appointment. TNR likely saved her life and the lives of her 10 babies.

How can people become more involved in helping barn cats and feral cats in their

communities?

People who want to become more involved in helping barn cats or feral cats in their communities could start by contacting their local rescue and inquiring about any programs they may have like TNR. They can also search for TNR teams on their local social media platforms and reach out to help trap or anything else they may need. People could go try to locate colony managers in their communities and find out what support they need.

What are the best ways to support Wild Blue Cats Rescue right now?

There are a few ways to support Wild Blue Cats right now. One way is to sign up to volunteer. We are always looking for people to join the TNR team! If you can’t volunteer, consider a donation or check out our wishlist! Cold weather is coming. Wild Blue Cats can always use supplies for our Working Cats Program!

Please check out the Wild Blue Cats Rescue wishlist:

https://www.wbcats.org/donate/

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1RUBHSDUEVWIO?ref_=wl_fv_le

Is there anything about this topic we haven’t covered that you would like to add?

Feral cats and barn cats are often a misunderstood population. It takes time, money and a great deal of patience to help them, but it is so rewarding. Every time a feral cat or barn cat gets a new home through our program, not only has the quality of life for the mouser improved, but their new family is ecstatic to have them! I love working with feral cats and barn cats.

Visit https://www.wbcats.org/barncats/ for more information.

To donate to Wild Blue Cats Rescue, visit https://www.wbcats.org/donate/#!/wishlist.