Smithtown's Guardians Of Rescue Creates Cattery For Feral Felines

SMITHTOWN, NY — Guardians of Rescue, a Smithtown-based not-for-profit organization, has created a cattery for feral felines in order to provide them a safe space, according to a news release. Saturday marks National Feral Cat Day.

There are 32 million feral cats around the United States, with 76 percent of them being in urban areas, according to a National Feline Research Council figure cited by Guardians of Rescue.

"We know these animals need help and we want to do everything within our power to help the ones that need it," said Robert Misseri, president and co-founder of Guardians of Rescue. "There are ways that people in the community can get involved to help as well, and we need them to do so, even if it’s just by donating a few dollars to support our mission."

Life on the street is hard for any cat, but it becomes even more challenging for those with injuries, old age or medical conditions, Guardians of Rescue stated.

"Feral cats don't choose to be homeless but the growing problem can't be solved simply by placing at-risk cats in a typical home," the organization wrote.

Guardians of Rescue's solution was crafting Feral Freedom: a cattery offering the safety of being cared for without taking away a cat's sense of freedom.

To cats, the streets are a brutal fight for survival, according to Guardians of Rescue. Many cats find themselves living among other feral cats and forming a colony, which results in them becoming distrustful of people. Many feral cats have experienced cruelty and/or neglect and don't adapt well to being confined, the organization stated.

The cattery is meant to retain cats' ability to roam and live on their terms by providing grounds with grass, trees, and access to climate-controlled "catdominiums" for warmth and a comfortable space to rest.

"Without this environment, the cats who need the protection of Feral Freedom would face a very bleak future," Guardians of Rescue stated.

The cattery is in a private location, as the organization does not want people dropping off unwanted cats.

Some residents of the cattery include Ocean, a feral cat that lost her eyesight; Tiger, who was dumped by someone out into the freezing February temperatures and is declawed with no way to defend himself; and Tara, an elderly cat who requires a special diet to survive and was once someone’s pet and likely became lost. Tara came to Guardians of Rescue with only a few teeth left and in poor health, the organization wrote.

A feral cat is one that has not been socialized with humans, lives outdoors, and is usually in a colony. Many of the feral cats in the colony have been born into it, while others may have been strays or lost pets that made their way into the colony.

There are things that people can do to help feral cats, according to Guardians of Rescue, including:

• Help avoid overpopulation problems by ensuring your cat has been spayed or neutered.
• Work with your local feral cat society. Many communities have a group of volunteers who help the cats, with some providing food, veterinary care, spaying and neutering, and more. There are many trap-neuter-return programs run with the help of volunteers and community support. Feral cats that have been spayed or neutered usually have a notched ear.
• Support those organizations that provide assistance to feral cats, such a Guardians of Rescue. Their cattery provides all the care that at-risk feral cats need, but there are costs involved that supporters can help with.
• Volunteer at your local animal shelter to help socialize any feral kittens brought in, so they may be adopted out by people.
• Learn about feral and outdoor cats and share the information with friends and family members.

"We love that we can do things like this to help animals in need," Misseri said. "We are grateful to those who donate to support our mission. We couldn’t do what we do without the help of those who support us, so thank you!"

Guardians of Rescue provides assistance to animals out on the streets and investigates animal cruelty cases. It is located in Smithtown, but it helps animals in many places around the country. It also aids military members with their pets. Donations can be made on the organization's website.