There are an estimated 60-100 million feral cats in the U.S., with 17 million plus caretakers caring for approximately half of them. The remaining cats starve and reproduce at an alarming rate. The vast majority of kittens are born to feral mothers. In the city of Los Angeles CA alone, there are an estimated 3 million feral cats with an unknown number into the thousands of caretakers.

The FCCC (Feral Cat Caretakers Coalition) was formed when its founder, Dona Cosgrove Baker, a caretaker herself, was profoundly moved by the suffering of feral cats and kittens. She was called to the oftentimes overwhelming responsibility and commitment required to care for a large number of feral cats, scattered over several acres in an industrial area in Los Angeles CA. While caretaking, she experienced an unconscionable lack of support and understanding from the community, and on numerous occasions, overt hostility. She knew that feral cat caretakers were great in number and were caring for feral cats and kittens under similar or worse circumstances. Dona recognized that if feral cat caretakers were organized as well as effectively directed and collectively supported, they would be a forceful instrument in providing a specialized solution for humane feral cat population control and responsible long-term care.

By joining together with FCCC, the caretakers could then become a unified force and voice for the compassionate care of feral cats. Experience taught her that trapping cats was only the beginning of a lifetime commitment once the feral cats were returned to the original home site. She realized that it would be the responsibility of the feral cat caretaker to provide care for cats that may live 10-12 years. The significance of the quality of care provided to the cats upon return, is the main focus and mission of FCCC.

The Feral Cat Caretakers’ Coalition was formed in 1997 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation for which all contributions are tax deductible, whether donations of money, food, medical services, or items. The FCCC has gained many supporters and provides a range of support services to caretakers. The FCCC is poised to launch its further growth with innovative plans and programs. These will bring a greater range of benefits to caretakers, by offering them a life-line to facilitate their work. The services caretakers provide will solve problems, save money for taxpayers and improve the lives of feral cats and kittens.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

Feral Cat Caretaking Workshops
Become an educated feral cat caretaker, or sponsor a student of the six week weekly evening workshops.

Help Spread The Word
Donations of copying/printing and office support for sponsors, volunteers, fundraising events

Scout Safe Places to Relocate Feral Cats
Relocation to save havens is a vital piece of the effort. Safe backyards are excellent choices for humanely confining feral cats until ready for release.  The FCCC provides the containment cage for their haven and supervises the relocation.

http://www.feralcatcaretakers.org/Membership/Donations.html