Lora Lee 
If you have been following me for any time, you know that there is a huge part of my heart in TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return). I witnessed first-hand what can happen with just one unspayed female in the wild. It is the reason that I have 14 of my 15 black cats. It is also the reason that I have been actively involved and volunteer with our local TNR organization. So, I was ecstatic when I found out my next Mission Meow article was with our May Grant Recipient, Feral Cat Advocacy! I get to chat with someone who is dedicated to helping the feral cats that most others ignore.
Making a Difference
Amanda Linnehan, founder of Feral Cat Advocacy, had absolutely no intention of setting up a non-profit aimed at helping community cats in her area. In fact, before 2020, Amanda really had no idea that there was an issue with an overpopulation of community cats. When a massive fire spread through not only her community, but surrounding communities she realized there was a problem. And one that no one seemed to be attempting to get a handle on. At first, she was helping reunite cats lost during the fire to their owners. Then, she took on feeding some cat colonies. It was then that Amanda realized there was an issue and knew she had to do something.
Amanda learned how to trap cats and started trapping the cats in the colonies that she was feeding. She started trapping cats and taking them to her local low-cost clinic. So many, that they offered her a job working the clinics. Then, things really started to happen. Amanda noticed the number of cats coming in with medical issues that would not allow them to be returned outside. There were also friendly cats that would be perfect for the indoor life. She knew she needed to step up and help these cats. Feral Cats Advocacy was started in an effort to help as many cats as possible.
Big Goals
Since starting FCA, things have greatly expanded. Each month, FCA is responsible for humanely trapping and fixing 40-50 cats EACH month. They have been able to secure a facility where they can house adoptable cats that come through the clinics. Allowing 15-20 friendly colony cats transition to the indoor VIP life. Amanda has worked tirelessly to form partnerships with local pet stores and animal shelters to set up adoption fairs. She converted her garage to house cats that may need to be isolated from other cats, like ringworm cases.
And Amanda has big goals for the future of FCA. She is currently working on an educational aspect of the organization. Educating the public about community cats, TNR, and how we can work together to get ahead of this issue. Working to eliminate the ignorance people have about community cats, Amanda started a “Working Cats” program. This program places outdoor cats in areas where they can serve a purpose or do their “job”, such as farm and barn cats. There are plans to find a bigger facility that not only will house adoptable cats. Also, medical cases that may require a longer recovery time or may not be able to return to the outside.
At this point, 6 of Amanda’s personal cats are medical cases that were not able to be returned outside. They all have different conditions that affect the way they walk. She calls them her Wonky Walker Tribe. That is what happens when you work in TNR and rescue. You always come across cases that pull at your heart strings. Cats that deserve to have a chance at a better life if only given the chance. And Amanda has given them that chance. 6 cats who would have most likely died out in the wild are now living the VIP indoor life.
Attitude of Gratitude
Earlier this year, Feral Cat Advocacy submitted their application for a Mission Meow Grant, which is set up to help non-profit feline centric organizations. FCA applied in hopes to be able to upgrade their old washer & dryer. Anyone who works in rescue, especially in TNR, knows the amount of laundry you can go through is insane. And their current dryer was seriously on its last legs. Amanda received the news that FCA was the May Grant Recipient of $4500! She was shocked, excited, and humbled. A grant of that amount was going to do so much. They were able to purchase a new all-in-one washer/dryer for their facility. AND Amanda was able to purchase another washer & dryer for the area that houses current medical cases, like ringworm kittens and overflow TNR towels.
Amanda is so grateful for Mission Meow and all the Business Partners involved. The Mission Meow Grant has allowed her to take one concern and need off of her plate and put her focus back on what is important, the cats in need. She is honored for Feral Cat Advocacy to be chosen as a grant recipient. There is a sense of gratification that her little organization was noticed for the meaningful change that they are trying to make in the lives of community cats. And that is exactly why she was chosen for a Mission Meow Grant. Congratulations, Amanda and Feral Cat Advocacy!
“We strive for a world where every earthling has the right to live and grow.” ― Ruby Roth
