R-U-N-2 CATS? THIS LOCAL GROUP IS
Sav-R-Cats is a local, non-profit organization seeking to address the problem of feral cats along the Grand Strand. The word "feral" comes from the Latin ferus, meaning "wild animal." Feral cats are second, third or later generations of unaltered strays and free-roaming companion cats that have escaped domestication. Living together in colonies ranging from just a few to more than 50, feral cats are born outdoors and are hidden by their mothers, growing up to be nocturnal creatures having little or no contact with human beings. Colonies of feral cats can spring up in housing developments, and frequently take up residence near restaurants, where garbage dumpsters provide a steady food source. Efforts to eradicate colonies by government agencies through euthanasia have failed miserably, as the colony is removed, but the food source (rodents, dumpsters) remains. Unaltered stray cats breed several times a year, quickly re-colonizing. "A lot of people don't realize the good of feral cats being in the neighborhood." says Shirley Major, manager of Sav-R-Cats adoption center near Surfside Beach. "In the long run, cats help control the rodent population. Not to mention snakes and palmetto bugs."
Sav-R-Cats runs a trap/neuter/return (T/N/R) program as a feasible, economical and more humane method of dealing with the problem. Volunteers place traps where colonies are known to exist. Upon capture, the animals are brought to Sav-R-Cats' facilities. Before being returned to the colony, the cat is marked by tipping its ear, a universal way of marking felines in which the top part of the left ear is clipped.
Sav-R-Cats is working on several colonies throughout the area. In Murrells Inlet, a vacant lot next to River City Café is home to an estimated 30-40 ferals. The group is also working on a colony in Socastee, down the street from the Waccatee Zoo on Enterprise Road. The T/N/R program ensures the animals will not keep producing, thereby keeping colony numbers down.
Sav-R-Cats also fosters adoptions of rescued and rehabilitated cats and kittens, both through its shelter as well as through a program with Pet Smart near Coastal Grand mall. The program has proven successful, as a recent stint there resulted in 25 adoptions.
Ultimately, the issue with ferals is not so much a cat problem as it is a people problem. "People put cats outside, allow them to roam freely, and don't spay or neuter them," says Major. "We have people on fixed incomes that are feeding strays, but can't afford to have them neutered." Sav-R-Cats works with local veterinarians to provide help with the costs of neutering the animals, but with an all-volunteer staff that relies solely on donations and fundraisers, the task can be daunting. The group has 150-200 cats on a waiting list to be altered. Though performing a community service, Sav-R-Cats receives no government money. Says Major, "We are always looking for donations, as well as volunteers to work at the center or sit on committees. Sav-R-Cats offices are located at 1117 S.C. 544, at the South Seas Village complex near Surfside Beach. Call 839-6902, or visit online at www.sav-r-cats.com.
By Kimberly Moore
For Weekly Surge