FOFA Takes Bold Steps to Control Feral Cat Population in Forks

October 12, 2023 1:30 am
Pictured are (sitting at far left) Capriele Celaya and her daughter, back row - Aleda Adams, Shy Gorbett, in front Gig Kerr, Sherry Schaaf, and Joann Lawson; with cute kittens! Submitted photo.
Pictured are (sitting at far left) Capriele Celaya and her daughter, back row - Aleda Adams, Shy Gorbett, in front Gig Kerr, Sherry Schaaf, and Joann Lawson; with cute kittens! Submitted photo.

On Oct. 4, a group of dedicated animal lovers and volunteers gathered at a Friends of Forks Animals (FOFA) meeting to discuss a critical issue plaguing our community: the overpopulation of feral cats. Aleda Adams, a prominent figure in the local animal welfare scene, has led the charge, along with a team of experienced trapping volunteers from nearby Port Angeles.

In attendance were Aleda Adams, Shy Gorbett, Gig Kerr, Sherry Schaaf, Joann Lawson, and Capriele Celaya along with her daughter. The focus of their mission? To tackle the issue of feral cats and kittens in Forks.

The kittens that were discussed during the meeting are currently under Aleda Adams’ care, awaiting spaying and neutering. Fortunately, they already have loving homes waiting for them once they are ready to be adopted.

These kittens are part of a larger feral cat population that has been a persistent issue in Forks. Over the past few months, FOFA has made some strides in addressing this problem by spaying and neutering over 30 adult cats and kittens. However, it’s believed that there are still many more left in the area.

In an effort to combat this overpopulation crisis, FOFA organized a special spaying and neutering clinic for feral cats from the colony on Sunday, Oct. 8. Local veterinarian Dr. Pat performed the surgeries at her clinic.

Aleda Adams, who is leading the Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) project, is working tirelessly alongside her experienced trapping volunteers to reduce and control the feral cat population in Forks. The TNR method involves trapping, spaying or neutering, and then safely releasing the cats back into their colony.

One distinguishing feature of cats that have undergone this procedure is a clipped ear. If you spot a cat with a clipped ear, it’s a clear sign that it has been spayed or neutered, contributing to the effort to manage the feral cat population humanely.

Friends of Forks Animals is urging all pet owners in the community to have their cats and dogs spayed or neutered to help prevent further overpopulation issues. The local shelters and rescues are already overwhelmed, making responsible pet ownership a top priority.

If you’d like to support FOFA’s essential work, you can make a donation by sending contributions to P.O. Box 2022, Forks, WA 98331. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of animals in need in the Forks community.

Friends of Forks Animals is determined to address the feral cat overpopulation issue head-on, and they’re calling on the community to rally behind their cause. With your support, they can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of animals in Forks.

Please call 360-374-3332 to set up an appointment to spay or neuter your cat or dog.