HCC celebrates 10 years, National Feral Cat Day, Oct. 16

Hill Country Cats, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to humane control of the free-roaming cat population in Burnet and Llano counties through trap/neuter/return (TNR), is celebrating 10 years of service by participating in National Feral Cat Day on Oct. 16.

The group will have a TNR information table at its booth within resale shop Chique, Unique, and Antique in Marble Falls, and continues with a drive to TNR at least 100 cats in Llano and Burnet counties that month.

According to a magazine article in The Costco Connection, October 2013, estimates of the U.S. feral (free-roaming) cat population range into the tens of millions. While some people may try to approach the problem through eradication, feral cat euthanasia is not only expensive but also ineffective: for every animal that’s put down, half a dozen more are busy reproducing.

The proven TNR process – safe capture, sterilization and vaccination, and return to habitat – stops the reproductive treadmill and promotes healthier feral colonies that eventually die out naturally, thus reducing the population over time.

Hill Country Cats was organized in 2006 as a charitable nonprofit organization with the mission of humanely reducing the stray cat population in Burnet and Llano counties through TNR.

Since its inception ten years ago, Hill Country Cats has trapped and neutered or spayed more than 8,000 free-roaming cats in the two-county area, thus preventing tens of thousands more from being born. Most are returned to their outdoor habitat and cared for by colony managers. Some that can be socialized are offered for adoption or as barn cats.

Hill Country Cats is volunteer-based organization consisting of several TNR team leaders and trappers, more than a hundred volunteer transporters, caregivers, and colony managers, a services coordinator, and a board of directors.

HCC services are provided in cooperation with participating local veterinarians and with the Feral Cat Program of the Austin Humane Society. HCC depends on grants and tax-deductible donations to cover such expenses as veterinary services (at discounted rates offered by participating veterinarians), medications and vaccinations, humane traps, cat food and transportation.

Anyone in Burnet or Llano counties with a stray cat problem may contact HCC for consultation and assistance. Donations are requested to help defray expenses, but services are offered regardless of ability to pay. General donations are also always welcome.

For more information, call 830-598-9883, email hillcountrycats@yahoo.com or visit www.hillcountrycats.org.