In St. Paul’s North End neighborhood, a dedicated guardian overseeing a cat colony has helped dozens of cats get socialized, neutered, and re-homed.
Amanda Klein’s journey with the colony began with a single cat. With support from the online feline community, she expanded her knowledge and learned how to properly care for a colony of cats.
“I moved here over two years ago and noticed a cat that was always in my yard. I named him and made a simple, unheated shelter,” Klein shared. “I had never done anything like this before, and I didn’t know what TNR was.”
Through networking with others in the online feline community, Klein learned about the “trap, neuter, and release” (TNR) method.
“I realized that feeding leads to breeding. When I feed these animals, I feel like I’m doing something good,” Klein explained.
Thanks to this network, she learned how crucial it was to spay and neuter the cats, as they can reproduce quickly.
In her first year, Klein took on a second job to manage the growing number of cats visiting her yard. The financial strain became heavy as she paid for food, shelter, and the spay/neuter procedures.
“It breaks my heart that so many people turn their backs on these cats in the neighborhood, and I want to help them as much as I can,” Klein said.
Last summer, Delaney’s Feline Haven stepped in, donating a shed to Klein, which she converted into a warm space for the cats during Minnesota’s cold winter months.
“It can hold 15 to 20 cats if needed, and it’s been a huge help for the cats throughout the winter,” Klein explained.
Equipped with heated pads, blankets, and a space heater, Klein’s cat colony managed to survive the frigid February temperatures. However, it was still a struggle.
“Even with me looking out for them, these cats really struggle to make it through the winter,” Klein added.
Recently, Klein underwent stomach surgery, and during her recovery, the online feline community came together to offer support.
“The cat community showed me so much love with donations and people offering to come clean and feed the cats—strangers, people I’ve never met. It was all during a time when I wasn’t working,” Klein said.
The support she received has been invaluable, and seeing the cats find loving homes makes the effort worthwhile.
“When they leave the street and find a loving home, it feels amazing. It’s so rewarding,” Klein said. “That’s what motivates me to get up the next morning and keep going.”
Klein encourages others to take action, too.
“Give the cat in your backyard the benefit of the doubt. It might not just be a wild, nameless animal—it could be someone’s next companion,” Klein said.
Related Topics
