Residents of Throggs Neck, Country Club, and elsewhere have noticed an increase in the number of feral cats. Now a free workshop will give people the chance to do the humane thing and help control cat overpopulation.
At the urging of Community Board 10, Fort Schuyler House at 3077 Cross Bronx Expressway will be hosting a free seminar on Saturday, July 31 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. that helps local residents become certified in trap, neuter and return (TNR) of strays. All topics related to handling a colony of feral cats will be covered: establishing good community relations, feeding, winter shelter, arranging for veterinary care, safely handling feral cats and humanely trapping them to be neutered. The workshop is sponsored by the New York City Feral Cat Initiative, which is part of the Mayor’s Alliance for New York City’s Animals.
Cheryl Dennis, the director of Fort Schuyler House, said that she was happy to open up the senior residence to the workshop, which has now also come to include cat adoption in conjunction with Animals Saved By Grace. Adoptions will occur while the workshop takes place.
“We were approached by Community Board 10 and are happy to host the event,” Dennis said. “Many of our residents have cats. They make good companions and do not require as much care as dogs.”
Dennis said that this will be the first event dealing with animals to be held at the facility, and she hopes that it will not be the last. She has heard from a member of her staff, who lives in Throggs Neck, that the feral cat population is increasing.
CB 10 district manager Kenneth Kearns said that he personally has adopted two cats and found it a rewarding experience. He believes that the trap, neuter and return workshop and the pet adoption provides a wonderful opportunity for the public to help.
“Owning a pet is a big responsibility, but for the little that you give to the animal, you get back ten fold,” Kearns said. “One of the problems with cats is overpopulation. Feral cats suffer. Free trapping, spaying and neutering make sure that overpopulation does not occur. We need to get cats off the street and give them homes.”
Bernadette Ferrara, founder of Animals Saved by Grace, is pleased that she will be able to hold a pet adoption day during the workshop that will help get people certified.
“Usually when you have the workshops there isn’t space for cat adoption, but Cheryl Dennis said that there is space, and she is really open to working with the community,” Ferrara said.
You must pre-register for the workshop. To do so call (212) 662-5761 or e-mail lois@nycferalcat.org.
