Protecting Even the Strays

Panora P.E.T.s

A feral cat being returned to its colony after being altered, vaccinated, ear-notched, and microchipped.

What is “Opurration Fix-it?”

“Opurration Fix-it!” is a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) Program in which stray and feral cats already living outdoors in Panora are humanely trapped, then evaluated, vaccinated, and sterilized. Kittens and tame cats are taken to a shelter so that they can be adopted. Healthy adult cats too wild to be adopted are returned to their familiar habitat (colony) under the lifelong care of volunteers.

The goal of “Opurration Fix-it!” is to get every qualifying feral cat in Panora altered, vaccinated, microchipped, and ear-notched and then returned to its colony thus establishing a stable, healthy feral cat population. With the help of volunteers who feed and care for them, the feral cats will live out their natural lives but will not reproduce. Due to their territorial lifestyle, the altered cats will keep strays that have not been altered from moving into their location.

Now that the TNR Program is recognized by the City of Panora, Panora P.E.T.S. is working hard to alter the feral cats in our community so it is very important that residents refrain from live-trapping cats in their area. Live-trapping and "dumping" cats in rural areas is illegal and, as many have found out in this community, does not solve the problem. "When you remove feral cats from a community, more move in as long as food, water and shelter exist there," said Susan Wilson, HSSA Executive Director. "As a result, you are never able to stop the feral cat problem because there are always new cats waiting to take their place."

 

If you have any questions or concerns about the TNR Program or feral cats in your neighborhood, please contact P.E.T.S. for assistance - 641.431.1003.

A feeding station at a colony in Panora.