Your Monthly Mews - See what's happening at MRFRS!

Hello!

We hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday! At MRFRS, we are thankful 365 days a year for the amazing volunteers who make our programs possible, like our Sunday Feral Cat Clinics, which provide free spay/neuter surgeries to trappers across Eastern Massachusetts working with feral colonies. These monthly clinics are a lifeline to trappers and are staffed 100% by volunteers generously giving their time to operate on as many as 50 cats in one day!

In this month's newsletter, you can learn more about the Feral Cat Clinics and the critical partnership between MRFRS and trappers as we work together to prevent the cycle of suffering caused by feline overpopulation.

Karen Glass

Director, Development & Communication, MRFRS

2022 Sunday Feral Cat Clinics -

Making an Impact

When you consider the fact that it only takes one unspayed cat and a mate to produce 12 cats in a single year, it’s easy to see how feline overpopulation can quickly grow. What’s not easy is witnessing the pain and suffering that overpopulation causes for free-roaming cats. MRFRS’s Sunday Feral Cat Clinics were established to directly impact this issue by providing free spay/neuter services to those volunteers dedicated to TNR (trap/neuter/release) and preventing feral colonies from increasing in size.

One Sunday a month from March through November, these clinics are held in Methuen in collaboration with MSPCA, which kindly provides access to their training space and surgical suites, as well as assisting with logistics to make this important program possible. Trappers register in advance and bring the feral cats they have captured to the clinic to be spayed/neutered for free.

In addition to the surgery, our program also gives rabies and distemper vaccines to each cat and offers additional care (flea control, antibiotics, etc.) to cats suffering from parasites or illness. These additional services are offered to ensure that free-roaming cat colonies remain healthy, for their own welfare and for the health and safety of all outdoors cats in their neighborhoods.

In 2022, 333 cats and kittens were spayed/neutered through the Sunday Feral Cat Clinics, which means the prevention of literally thousands of feral cats. The impact of these numbers is significant; however, we know that more work will need to be done as we plan for next year. Reduced access to veterinary services and other TNR services means more cats are being left to roam and reproduce.

MRFRS can’t thank the Sunday Feral Cat Clinic volunteers enough for their dedication to this important program, as without them, the program would not exist. We are also proud to work in partnership with TNR volunteers to stop unwanted litters and help every individual cat live a healthier life in their outdoor environment.

“I appreciate these clinics so much because I could never afford to pay for surgery for the cats I trap, but it’s key in preventing the cycle. Because the clinic schedule is set for the year, I can rely on them and prioritize when I’m bringing in the cats I’ve trapped. In 2022, I didn’t miss a single MRFRS clinic, and I would estimate that I brought in over 100 cats and kittens for surgery. When you think of how quickly those 100 cats could re-produce, you quickly understand the impact.”

Emilly M., Trapper

Whisker Wonderland on December 10th

We hope you’re making plans to come to Whisker Wonderland at the MRFRS Adoption Center on December 10^th between 10:00am – 3:00pm for some holiday cheer and shopping!

You’ll find one-of-a-kind handmade crafts, like knitwear, soaps, and candles plus gifts for all the cats and cat lovers on your list, not to mention delicious homemade baked goods, like brownies, cookies, and cupcakes. All proceeds raised during Whisker Wonderland go directly to help support MRFRS’s programs and services, so you can feel good knowing you are helping improve the lives of cats while having some festive fun!

Please Note: We are expecting a large turnout for this event, so to keep our guests as safe and healthy as possible, we are requiring masks for everyone and will have extra ones available.

MRFRS is Hiring!

Would you like to become part of one of New England’s

most respected and effective animal welfare organizations?

To support and expand our current and future programs, MRFRS has immediate openings on both our Program and Development teams. Visit www.mrfrs.org/careers to learn more about working at MRFRS and the positions that are open.

Feel free to share this link with candidates you may know who are looking for a new career opportunity and share a passion for our mission!

2023 MRFRS Calendar - The Purr-fect Gift!

Our 2023 MRFRS Cat Calendar is the purr-fect gift for the cat lover in your life, so make your holiday shopping easy and place your order today!

Each calendar costs $20 and all proceeds from the sales go to support MRFRS’s life-saving programs for cats. To avoid shipping costs, choose "local pick up" at check out and you can schedule a time to pick them up at our Main Street office in time for the holidays.

Order Your Calendar Today!

Coming Attractions: 22/23 Cat Film Festival

MRFRS is excited to partner with the Newburyport Screening Room for an exclusive 1:00pm matinee showing of the 22/23 Cat Film Festival on Saturday, January 14, 2023! This annual festival is a 90-minute compilation of films that explore “the fascinating felines who share our lives, creating a shared audience experience that inspires, educates, and entertains.”

The film festival also supports local animal welfare organizations and a portion of ticket sales from this matinee showing will benefit MRFRS! We will also be on hand with information about adoptions, volunteering, and other ways to support MRFRS, so be sure to mark your calendar and stay tuned for more info about this event and how to purchase tickets!

One Simple Way to Help Cats This Month

Adopt a Senior Pet

November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, so let’s “paws” to consider why a senior cat might be a good choice when thinking about adoption any time of year.

Senior cats are unfortunately often overlooked at shelters when people are considering adopting a new pet. The concern some people have when looking at an older cat revolves around the issues that accompany advanced age. Certainly, older animals face the illnesses that can come in later years, so prospective owners need to be prepared for that; however, vet bills are a reality for any responsible pet owner at all stages of a cat’s life. Plus, there are many benefits to adopting an older cat that should be considered:

Personality – the number one factor in choosing a cat should be its personality and how it fits with your household. A senior cat’s personality is well-established, and the shelter personnel can share that with you. You’ll also be able to see it when you meet the cat during an adoption appointment.
Calmness – As a general rule, an older cat will spend much more time napping than running around the house. That makes them perfect companions for quiet households who value companionship more than antics. If you’re looking for a napping buddy to curl up with, an older cat is a much better match than a younger one.
Good with Kids – Kittens may play a little rougher with children because they’re still learning about boundaries (and may even be teething). Older cats tend to be better when interacting with children because they have the wisdom and experience to know when to get away from children and avoid a potentially negative interaction all together.
Well Mannered – Another benefit of a senior kitty is they’ve outgrown the stage of climbing things in your home or shredding furniture. They have years of experience with scratching posts and are more likely to use them.

When looking to find a loving feline companion, always remember age is truly just a number. The goal is to find the cat that matches best with you and your family. Consider opening your home and heart to a senior cat - you won't be disappointed!

Future Happy Tails?

Meet Brownie & Fluffy

Now that everyone knows why senior cats make wonderful companions, we’d like to introduce a lovely pair of older cats who are looking for a special home – Brownie and Fluffy!

Brownie and Fluffy are life-long friends. They were brought up indoors but did not have much human contact so while not unsocialized, they don't seek attention from people. They are very polite when given a head scratch but would much prefer to be snuggled together in a warm, cozy hiding spot. (If you're quiet, you can often hear loud, happy purring from under the bed or behind the couch!)

Brownie is a 13-year-old male with hyperthyroidism and needs to be medicated twice daily. Luckily, his medication is available in a cream that can be easily rubbed in his ear, which he sits patiently for while it's applied. He also looks forward to taking a delicious treat from your hand when it's finished.

Fluffy is a very shy 10-year old female. She's been known to sneak Temptation treats and she loves to sit in the window and watch the birds when she doesn't think her foster mom is looking!

Brownie and Fluffy would like a quiet home with patient adults (without children or dogs) where they can curl up together. Perhaps you or someone you know could be the purr-fect match? Send in an adoption application if you're interested in meeting this sweet pair!

Every Smile Helps!

With holiday shopping in full swing, there's an easy way you can help MRFRS if you're shopping on Amazon by signing up for Amazon Smile. When you do, Amazon will donate a portion of the proceeds from qualifying purchases to MRFRS.

There are just a few easy steps to sign up:

Visit smile.amazon.com
Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials
Find Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society from the list of charitable organizations to receive donations, or, use the search function to find it fast.
Select Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society as your charity.
Start shopping!

The items delivered to your door will mean more - more food, shelter, and care for cats and kittens in need... and that's something to smile about!