I’m an experienced TNR and community cat volunteer, based in Richmond, VA. Through TNR, I get feral cats spayed/neutered to prevent them from adding to the cat overpopulation crisis and live healthier, longer lives. When cats and kittens are friendly enough for adoption, I foster them until I find them a suitable forever home.
All of my rescue work is done on a 100% volunteer basis. Adoption fees offset some of the costs of my rescue work and includes the spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations (rabies and distemper), combo testing for FIV/FeLV, medications, food, cat litter and other needed supplies.
Donations are greatly appreciated.
Are you interested in adopting? Please reach out: susanrescuescats@gmail.com
FAQ
What is TNR and why is it important?
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs offer several benefits, primarily focusing on humane population control and improved well-being for free-roaming cats. TNR stabilizes and reduces cat populations by preventing reproduction, leading to fewer unwanted cats and reduced strain on shelters. It also improves the health of individual cats by reducing the risk of diseases associated with mating and improves overall community well-being by reducing nuisance behaviors like excessive noise and spraying.
Is there really a cat overpopulation crisis in Virginia?
Yes, there is evidence of a cat overpopulation crisis in Virginia, particularly concerning free-roaming cats:
- Large Free-Roaming Cat Population: An estimated 2.1 million free-roaming cats are in Virginia, with about 1.2 million being unowned.
- Impact on Wildlife: These cats pose a serious threat to native wildlife, contributing to the killing of billions of birds and mammals annually across the U.S.
- Poor Welfare for Cats: Many unowned free-roaming cats face harsh conditions, including extreme weather, limited food, and disease, resulting in high mortality rates, especially among kittens.
- Strained Shelters: Animal shelters in Virginia are experiencing a significant influx of stray cats, straining resources.
- Need for Solutions: There’s a recognized need for a comprehensive strategy, including Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, to manage and reduce the free-roaming cat population.
Are America’s animal shelters really overwhelmed?
The situation is dire, with many shelters facing a crisis due to a combination of factors. Shelter Animals Count reports a significant increase in the number of animals in shelters compared to previous years, and this trend is expected to continue.
- Increased Intake: Shelters are seeing more animals come in than they are able to adopt out, creating a backlog.
- Slower Adoptions: Adoptions have slowed down, meaning animals are staying in shelters longer, further contributing to overcrowding.
- Economic Factors: The rising cost of living is making it harder for people to afford pet care, leading to more surrenders and less adoption.
- Staffing Issues: Overwhelmed shelters often struggle with staff burnout and high turnover, making it harder to care for the animals.
- Increased Euthanasia: In some cases, shelters are forced to euthanize animals due to lack of space and resources.
Susan Rescues Cats 