Throughout the year the West Suburban Humane Society will be featuring the work of the rescues who send us adoptable animals. The majority of our adoptable kittens and cats come from Feral Fixers, an organization that focuses on spaying and neutering feral cats in the western suburbs.
Last year, Feral Fixers gave nearly 500 cats to area shelters and rescues for adoption. They also spayed or neutered more than 1,100 cats, preventing many thousands more unwanted cats in the community.
They operate with a network of more than 25 volunteers who help those who care for colonies of feral cats. Since its founding, Feral Fixers has neutered more than 8,000 animals.
In December, we collaborated with Feral Fixers to receive and distribute more than 2,000 pounds of cat food donated through the ASPCA. Half that food helped Adopt A River Cat, an organization that helps low-income Aurora residents with spay-neuter and food support for their pets.
Aurora has one of the largest feral cat populations in the state, said Feral Fixers President Tammy McAuley. "This food donation was a great gift for the ARC and all the cats and people they support!"
McAuley said one of the reasons they transfer cats and kittens to WSHS for adoption is knowing that any medical issues will be addressed.
"We give you a cat that needs X, Y, Z and you do your damnedest to make sure that happens," she said. "I can give you a cat that needs dental care, that has an eye infection, and you will treat that cat and it will be adopted in a week. You do a huge service to us."
Feral Fixers' biggest needs are volunteers to help with their TNR efforts, and foster homes for cats and kittens who are suitable candidates for adoption. You can find out more on their web site, feralfixers.org.