SS Friends of Animals is seeking barn cat homes

Friends, one of our community members needs our help. As many know, Travis Shaw is dealing with a serious medical issue. His family reports that he is doing well now, but it will be a long time before he is able to return to everyday activities. One of those activities is caring for his beloved cats at a property on US 190 east of town.

Some wonderful volunteers have stepped in temporarily to feed and monitor the cats, but Travis and his family have asked that we try to find new homes for them. These are feral cats, not pets. There are about 15-20 altogether. Except for the kittens, most have been fixed and vaccinated. They appear quite healthy and show up regularly at mealtime. We suspect they spend a good deal of their time on pest control in and around the barn they now call home. The mice, snakes and other unwanted critters don't stand a chance against this crew!

If you are in a position to give one or more of these cats a new place to live and work, we'd be happy to help. We can trap the cats, get them fixed (if they aren't already), and make sure vaccinations and flea medicine are up to date before transporting them to you. There is a protocol for relocating barn cats. To read up on what is required, go to <www. barncatbuddies.org>, and under the “Forms, Flyers and Info” tab, click on “Barn Cat Protocols.” We can lend large crates if needed.

We are determined to help find safe new homes for all of Travis’ cats. A wonderful organization, Shadow Cats in the Austin area, is helping us manage this financially. Through its One Life Fund, Shadow Cats has generously donated $500 to help with spay/neuter for any of the cats or kittens that are not already altered. Shadow Cats is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of un-owned stray and feral cats and kittens through trap/neuter/return and helping to support community and feral cats through the One Life Fund. We are very grateful to this organization for helping with this effort.

Please contact us through our Facebook page (www.Facebook. com/SanSabaCountyFriendsOf-Animals) or by calling or texting 325-372-7387 if you can help. Travis and his family would appreciate you very much!!!