As spring approaches in Plumas County, local communities are bracing for an increase in kittens, a direct result of the large feral cat populations that plague many rural areas. Left unchecked, female cats can easily produce up to three litters a year, leading to rapid growth in feral populations that are vulnerable to disease, injury, and predation. These cats also pose a risk to local ecosystems and can expose domestic cats to dangerous illnesses.
In response to these growing concerns, two local cat rescue organizations, Friends of Plumas County Animals and Plumas Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), have teamed up since May 2023 to address the challenges of feral cat overpopulation. Together, they launched the Plumas Feral Spay/Neuter Project, which organizes spayathons twice a year. These volunteer-run events take place in March and October, timed just before the two primary kitten seasons. The next spayathon is scheduled for March 29.
Rose Buzzetta, executive director of Friends, has been the driving force behind the project. Along with Louise DeLaney, director of PAWS, Buzzetta was deeply concerned about the exponential growth of local feral cat populations in the early 2020s. They frequently encountered animals suffering from treatable illnesses and injuries, but with no resources available to manage the overwhelming numbers of stray and feral cats, many animals were left to suffer. As their facilities reached capacity, they found themselves turning away litters of adoptable kittens.
Recognizing that something had to be done, Buzzetta and DeLaney turned to the TNR (trap, neuter, return) method. TNR programs have been successful worldwide in reducing feral cat populations through humane sterilization practices. The spayathons are a crucial part of this effort, with dozens of volunteers trapping, transporting, housing, and caring for feral cats over several days.
During these events, cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-clipped to mark their fixed status, and monitored until they recover from anesthesia. They are then safely returned to their original locations. All animals are also screened for injuries or health problems and receive treatment as needed. “It’s a lifesaver for the animals,” said Buzzetta.
Veterinarians and vet techs generously volunteer their time and expertise for the spayathons, providing care at a heavily discounted rate. The cost per cat is $25, and vet techs receive $150 each for their weekend commitment. This year, Bay Area vets Frank Merrill and Michelle Kelly, along with vet Maggie Lin and several techs, will be participating. “I am so grateful for the vets who come up — they are absolutely wonderful,” said Buzzetta. “I couldn’t do this without their help.” Dr. Doyle Rolston of Indian Creek Veterinary Clinic provides the space and facilities for the spayathons.
This year’s goal is to spay and neuter 100 cats, with volunteers bringing in cats from areas including Chilcoot, Sierra Valley, Plumas Pines, Spring Garden, Greenhorn, Greenville, Quincy, Portola, and the Lake Almanor-Chester region. “It’s going to be a challenge!” said DeLaney, but both women are confident in their success. They’ve fine-tuned the process since the first, chaotic spayathon.
The Plumas Feral Spay/Neuter Project has been highly successful, in large part due to the collaboration between Friends and PAWS. “We are in it for the good of the animals,” said Buzzetta. “It’s not about ego.” In the past three spayathons, more than 200 feral cats have been successfully spayed or neutered.
Thanks to the project, both Friends and PAWS have seen a significant reduction in the kitten population since 2023. “It’s rewarding on so many levels,” said DeLaney. “This program has saved these cats from a life of unwanted kittens, disease, and suffering.” Buzzetta added that the decrease in feral cat numbers also saves the county money and eases the strain on Plumas County Animal Control.
The goal of the project is to bring the feral cat population down to a manageable, sustainable level. To achieve this, the project depends on community funding. In 2023, a one-time $10,000 grant from the Plumas County Board of Supervisors was used to purchase the initial traps. Now, the spayathons are fully funded by donations. Each event costs up to $7,500, covering the cost of medications, vaccines, veterinary fees, space rental, food for volunteers, and other expenses.
Funding for the March spayathon came together thanks to generous donations from High Sierra Animal Rescue, the Almanor Foundation, Common Good Foundation, Summerlee Foundation, Bread for the Journey, and numerous private donors. However, the October event is still without funding. Buzzetta and DeLaney are eager for additional support from the community, as local residents have already reached out with requests to include their area’s feral cat populations in the fall spayathon.
With continued community support, the Plumas Feral Spay/Neuter Project aims to make significant progress in the battle against feral cat overpopulation in Plumas County.
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