CHENANGO COUNTY – October 16 has been deemed “National Feral Cats Day,” a day which hopes to bring to light an issue apparent not only nationwide but also in Chenango County. A feral cat day fundraiser is being held throughout the entire month of October.

Said Dona Olsen, director of Little Mews Rescue, “It is to raise awareness about feral cats, promote trap-neuter-return, and recognize the millions of compassionate Americans who care for them.”

Little Mews Rescue, an all volunteer nonprofit organization is a no kill rescue here in the county. While it does not currently have an adoption facility, efforts are in the works to raise money to purchase a building. The cats associated with the rescue are presently being raised in foster homes, said Olsen.

The rescue has partnered with All Animals Matter, another area volunteer organization started by Dianne Troxell who has helped hundreds of families have their pets spayed or neutered.

“We can help trap the ferals, have them spayed or neutered, then return them to the colony,” read a statement from the All Animals Matter website.

The two organizations have been working with Chenango County residents to assist with the number of feral cats in the community.

It is hoped that the fundraiser will bring in enough food to help feed the feral cats in the area. The monetary donations will be used to help to pay for the spay/neuter surgeries.

“We’ll be collecting food and supplies to help feed and care for feral cats through the cold winter months,” reads the Alley Cat Allies fundraiser page.

“There are feral cat colonies in every village, town, as well as in the City of Norwich,” added Olsen.

Olsen went on to state that many local residents don’t mind caring for and feeding the feral cats year round. There is growing concern, however, regarding the large number of new kittens born each year.