08/31/2026
Ever wonder what happens after the news story comes out???
Remember the article from the Free Press in April "On the Prowl.. to Help Stray Cats".
The story tells of the request by Michelle in West Kildonan for help to dealing with stray cats in her neighborhood.
Fixing Feral Felines responded and assembled an amazing team of 7 people who have since done countless hours of prowling and other activities.
These people got to work immediately in early April. All summer they have been busy planning organizing, communicating, problem solving, gathering and setting up kennels and traps, tracking and trapping cats, feeding and caring for them, and transporting them, returning and monitering.
At the same time, they were meeting neighbors, establishing relationships, educating, gathering prizes & fundraising, and record keeping.
Their work has not been without many challenges. But because of their passion for animals, they have kept the goal in sight and learned how to meet the challenges in an effective way.
Seven people who had never met each other before had some team challenges to meet because of different styles , lifestyles , needs, and wants. As the guiding agency Fixing Feral Felines saw some amazing team building as they learned to work together, focus on the cats, apprecialte and respect each other.
Other sources of difficulty were the facts that some of the animal caregivers had recently moved or passed away; Others residents wanted nothing to do with the cats; Many did not understand what the goal was and and some were actually opposed to what was going on because they just wanted the cats gone.
Some team members were subjected to some unpleasant behavior but avoided getting distracted by conflict. They simply withdrew from the situation and redirected their efforts.
Gradually with patience and ongoing efforts the team members were able to identify residents who understood, and were cooperative and willing to help. These became links to other neighbors.
This yes is an older established neighborhood with many of the residents , senior or young families new to the area there was little help.
Combined with their lack of experience with stray cats, no of the residents offered hands-on assistance with trapping holding the cats before or after surgery.
There are not enough spay and nueter appointments. In Winnipeg to meet the demand. Appointments were restricted to the few offered by the Winnipeg.Humane society or another outside the area. This meant that trapping and other activities had to be coordinated with those specific times that appointments were available. This certainly highlights the need for more low cost spay and neuter opportunities.
The scheduling challenges were complicated by the fact that cats don't like change and become wary of trap. The weather was often too hot and the area noisy.
Despite all of this, the team accomplished major successes. As of mid August 24 animals were trapped or caught.
8 cats were adult females and 4 of those were pregnant. 11 males
3 cats were adopted and 4 kittens went to WHS.
Yes, unfortunately one has to be euthanized because of a medical condition.
A major change in the population of that area today and tomorrow. And the efforts are ongoing.
There are many positives and reasons to celebrate and be thankful for.
As mentioned the team became stronger and more supportive of each other. The network grew, Skills and information gain can be used in other situations.
We believe the community is stronger. People have worked together, met neighbors, became more aware of the cats and their needs.
Businesses have supported the effort with prizes and certificates. Through raffle sales they got more exposure and, hopefully, more customers.
Future challenges include finding new feeding areas and caretakers for the long term. Identifying where to put shelters and maintaining , safe shelter and feeding spaces.
I have no doubt that this team can and will meet these challenges in a constructive and effective way.
I am very proud of the team collectively and of each individual member who gave it their best.
They have proven beyond a doubt that the community model of tnr can work.
Fixing Feral Felines' responsibility now is to document and spread this model.
The comment by one team member provides a beautiful summary of the experience.
A local resident volunteer say. ..
I answered a Facebook request for help with TNR in my neighborhood, with stray cats I often see on my daily walks. Little did I know the fulfillment I would find. We were strangers combining our love for helping animals & community, learning together in the highs & lows of this work. I am so proud of the 24 cats we have helped & made our neighborhood a much more controlled environment for the benefit of the cats & the residents. Iโd encourage others to start small & with what little you can give, together we can accomplish work to be proud of!
Thank you team members.
