Feral Cat Management originated out of a need to do something to help the
forgotten, unseen, and unwanted cats and kittens that struggled to survive
in the
Piedmont triad communities. The premise was to provide free
sterilization for
feral cats and kittens if the caregiver was willing to sign a
life- time care
agreement. Surgeries were initially funded by money from
the usual yard sales
and bakes. Further funding came later when The
National Humane EducationSociety
(NHES) was contacted and agreed to
help.
Through FCM and NHES 30 cats/kittens were sent each month to local
veterinary
clinics for testing, sterilization, and vaccinations at a cost of
more than $100 per
animal. During that time period, NHES resumed its’
plans to complete the
construction of their on- site animal sanctuary and
had to place a moratorium on
funding FCM.
With so many people and cats needing the help that FCM persevered and incorporated a new nonprofit organization called Feral Cat Adoption and Placement (FCAP). Obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status set the group on the road to financial independence.
FCAP was faced with the challenge of finding a more cost- effective approach of tackling the problem of feral cat overpopulation and began exploring other options. In June of 1999, FCAP began their Spay Day program. By locating facilities that could be rented for one Sunday a month and utilizing an all-volunteer staff, FCAP was able to reduce the cost to about $35 per cat. That enabled the organization to significantly increase the number of people and animals they were able to help. In 2002, FCAP sterilized over 600 feral cats/ kittens at no charge to the public
Feral Cat Adoption and Placement continues to meet the challenges it faces as the organization strives to increase the level of services that they provide to their community. FCAP members realize the challenges of an all-volunteer organization and the need to hire a director. They also know that the path to providing consistent, on-going services to the community lies in funding of a permanent facility. In 2004 FCAP changed its name to the Feral Cat Assistance Program to acurately reflect the service it provides to its community.
