Snow, ice, frigid temperatures — winter in Indiana is difficult enough for humans. Conditions are even worse for feral cats — cats who live outside and avoid human contact. There are two organizations that help make their lives easier: IndyFeral and FACE.
IndyFeral focuses on the mission of maintaining healthy feral cat colonies in Indianapolis. Relying on volunteers, IndyFeral helps to reduce feral cat populations using humane trapping, spaying and neutering the cats, and returning them to managed colonies (TNR). Part of the Neighborhood Cats program, IndyFeral works with local shelters and veterinarians to improve the well-being of these cats. IndyFeral is a program of the FACE Spay/Neuter Clinic on the east side.
Paula Nicewanger’s feral kitties, Larry and Mo.
In 2012, IndyFeral helped over 3,200 cats and kittens in their Neighborhood Cats program. In turn, this has helped reduce the number of feral cats that end up at Animal Care and Control — most of which end up euthanized.
While IndyFeral and FACE work year-round to maintain feral cat colonies, the need becomes even more urgent during the winter months. At present, IndyFeral is expanding their Food Bank program so that they can continue to help feed the stray and feral cats that live in the Indianapolis area. The food bank is supported only through donations. The IndyFeral Food Bank provides cat food to volunteers who take care of stray and feral cats. Many of the caretaker volunteers are on fixed or low incomes and cannot afford to buy food for the cats.
Residents who are interested in helping to coordinate the program, help organize food drives, raise money, pick up donated food, or reach out to corporate donors can contact Lisa at Lisat@facespayneuter.org.
Food donations can be dropped off during regular business hours at the FACE clinic: 1505 Massachusetts Ave. Hours are Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
