Alley Cat Allies is helping more than 150 cats on a 14-acre rural property in Veneta, Oregon, by leading a critical care initiative that has received coverage by KLCC and KEZI 9 News.
Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies, developed a long-term humane, nonlethal plan for the cats in conjunction with local Greenhill Humane Society. She organized a coalition of experts who are on the scene in Veneta, near Eugene, providing veterinary care and support for the cats.
“So far we’re very confident in our plan and we’re very delighted about how it’s going,” says Robinson. “We’re making a positive difference for the cats, and we know that it will take quite a bit of time and resources.”
A critical strategy in the plan is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for community cats, or cats who live outdoors. Through TNR, community cats are humanely trapped and taken to Greenhill Humane Society’s on-site veterinary clinic to receive spay or neuter surgery, microchips, and any other needed treatment.
“We’re so thrilled to be working with Alley Cat Allies on this game plan to provide the cats, and the people who care for them, with these important services,” says Sasha Elliot, the director of operations for GreenHill Humane Society.
Though many cats will be returned to the property, Greenhill Humane Society is also evaluating each cat to determine if they would be most comfortable in an adoptive home.
Two kittens, Tic-Tac and Toe, are already looking for new families. The adorable black siblings were the first to receive the care they needed from Alley Cat Allies and Greenhill Humane Society.
“The life of every single cat is precious. So, while there is much to be done, our primary goal is to find the best possible outcome for each individual cat,” says Robinson.”It’s only cats who are socialized to humans that will be placed for adoption. A significant number of cats will be returned to the property. And that will be fine, they will be cared for, just like many other communities have.”
For these community cats, we are implementing humane best practices such as appropriate outdoor shelters and feeding stations. Alley Cat Allies staff even hand built a stylish cat condo, dubbed “Hotel Cat-ifornia.” Each structure is designed to keep cats elevated and warm as Oregon temperatures dip in the fall and winter.
Together, Alley Cat Allies and Greenhill Humane Society are improving the lives of the cats. We’re also bringing peace of mind to the property owners, the community, and the concerned people across the nation who tuned into the initial news stories about the cats.
“The cats’ wellbeing has significantly increased since Alley Cat Allies became involved,” says Elliot. “It’s been a tremendous opportunity for us to communicate to the community at large about the importance of spay and neuter, and to show them that we’re here for them as their resource.”
Because we aren’t just providing the most urgent care; we’re rallying the community to help these catsand many morefar into the future.