Feral cats might appear to be beautiful and adorable fur babies from afar, but they can become a nuisance and hazard to not only humans but to the cats themselves.

For years, Webster’s Community Cat Connection (CCC) has been a faithful, steadfast, and reliable participant in the Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) Program benefitting local residents and feral felines. Barbara Hassett of the CCC states “Our Surrender Coordinator, Patty Cournoyer, has been working with local trapper, Trapper Jack, from Oxford, in several known cat colonies in Webster and neighboring towns. Recently, they came across some very small kittens, on their own. One of them is in an incubator. Another one that was brought to the shelter on Saturday only weighed one pound and was ravenous when we put some food in front of him. We named him Ash. He had worms and fleas that he was treated for. He never would have survived the winter on his own.”

“I don’t think people realize the extent of what we do for the community. There are several large cat colonies where we have been trapping. Once the older cats are trapped, they are spayed/neutered and returned to their colony where some kind person has most likely set up some type of shelter and food for the cats. The kittens will go into foster care and once they are spayed/neutered/vaccinated, will come to the shelter. I may have mentioned to you before that we have a record number for kittens this year. If we aren’t notified of these colonies, or if homeowners near them aren’t cooperative and unwilling to let our trappers onto their property, the cats will go unfixed and the size of the colony can double and triple in no time.” 

Their mission statement affirms that they operate and maintain a community-based, no-kill cat rescue and shelter to benefit cats which have been abandoned, abused, or at risk for starvation, disease, and overpopulation. They strive to educate the public to the benefits of spay/neuter, low-cost veterinary care, and alternatives to euthanasia as well as to facilitate public awareness through workshops and programs.  

They offer the following services:

*Trap feral cats if necessary and have them spayed or neutered so they may be released in accordance with proper trap and release laws.

*Assist with placement of abandoned and surrendered animals due to household moves thus finding them proper homes so they are not left behind to live on their own.

• Rescue pregnant mother cats and abandoned kittens affording them proper medical care and homes.

• Assist with the placement of feral cats and kittens in finding forever loving homes​.

• A friend to animals by offering all of the above to local communities.

The CCC’s hardworking and loyal volunteers will seek out the abandoned and over-populated areas reported by residents and observed by their volunteers to assist those who are affected by the unfortunate circumstances. 

TNR is the only effective and humane approach to community cats who are abandoned or un-owned and live outdoors. According to the Alley Cat Allies site, scientific studies show that TNR effectively addresses the community cat population by ending the breeding cycle, meaning no new kittens are born to a community cat colony. It addresses community concerns, reduces shelter intake, and reduces calls to animal services, all of which saves cats’ lives. When cats are free from the burdens of mating and reproducing, their relationships improve with the people who live near them (think: no more kittens outdoors or yowling, roaming, fighting, or spraying). Additionally, many diseases associated with reproduction are prevented.  

As a non-profit organization, the CCC is always grateful for donations of pet food and cleaning supplies. They are currently fundraising for pet cages at their Webster facility. Monetary donations are also gladly appreciated.  Your contributions are greatly welcomed and valued. If you would like to volunteer or assist at their Webster location for 1 hour or more, you will undoubtedly enjoy their warm and loving pet population.   

If you are aware of feral cat populations in your area, please contact the CCC for more information on how you can assist your neighborhood and the local fur baby population.

Their phone number: 508- 949-0779. They are located at 289 Thompson Road, Webster MA 01570. Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 4 - 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.