The Blanco County Cat Coalition (BCCC) is asking county residents to let the coalition know the location of feral cat colonies they have observed in order to determine the needs of each colony throughout the county. Please call the Cat Phone—(512) 318-5875—to give information about the location—the physical address, the nearby roadway, or a building or other landmark—the approximate number of cats that live in the colony, and whether the cats appear to be feral or friendly. (Cats that were previously pets and have been abandoned at a feral colony may come towards people in a friendly manner hoping that they might find a home again). All information will be kept strictly confidential.

BCCC will then create a map and assess the needs of each colony so feral cats in the county can be cared for in an organized way. It is only by creating this map that BCCC can determine how to allocate precious volunteer time and funds. As time and funds permit, the cats in the county’s colonies will be altered, provided with vaccinations, and then returned to their colonies.

In addition, there are still some $25.00 vouchers for cat owners residing in Blanco County who wish to spay their pet female cats before March. The voucher program has been very successful and, thanks to recent donations, BCCC has funds available to continue to offer the vouchers.

Owners need to make appointments with their regular veterinarians for the spaying and take their cats and pick them up when the surgery is over. BCCC will reimburse the veterinarians $25.00 for each cat that has a voucher.

The Blanco County Cat Coalition is offering this as a public service, due to the fact that now is the time of year when unspayed female cats become pregnant. Litters of unwanted kittens begin to arrive in March, and many of these kittens and even their mothers are abandoned, adding greatly to the feral cat population of the county. By helping to pay for spaying, BCCC will prevent additional unwanted cats in our communities.

BCCC is a tax-exempt, 501-c-3 volunteer-based organization, which supports humane ways of dealing with feral cats like Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). Donations and volunteers are urgently needed and appreciated. Volunteer opportunities are varied and interesting. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, alternating between Blanco and Johnson City. The March meeting will be in Johnson City. Call the Cat Phone at (512) 318-5875 or visit the BCCC web site, www.blancocountycat.org, for further information.