Cat Explosion–HELP!!

Last week you saw four adorable kittens seeking homes. They are included again below. They still need homes but now we have two more litters of kittens–wild ones, as several of the feral cats outside have families giving us at least 27 cats. I have not favored neutering these beautiful creatures, but now I do not know what to do. We have natural predators–in fact I just saw a large hawk flying over the kittens habitat. And there are coyotes, dogs, possums, raccoons, and angry neighbors. I even saw a young mountain lion, and several other people reported seeing a wolverine. But these cats are smart and the adults can defend themselves pretty well. If we do not find homes for the four cuties shown below, they will be released in a few months once they have their shots and are spayed or neutered.

I am told that Fresno is the feral cat capitol of the world and that all the shelters are overflowing. There is a special place that will take unwanted kitties nearby called the Cat House on the King (for King River and King’s Canyon), but they want $5,000 per cat to take them. Shots and surgery costs hundreds per animal. Three of the four cats have been neutered: Princess Grey Tail, the mostly white with the grey tail, above who shows up from time to time; BaoYi, the black and white daughter of the Buddha Master’s Black Rose (we think) in the middle, and Shiimsa, my black tuxedo with white feet on right, are all neutered and the last two live in the temple with me. Princess Grey Tail will join them when and if she returns as they are all very domesticated and elderly but can no longer defend themselves in the wild. We can handle that. The rest need to be caught and neutered or we will have even more cats in no time. I am sure more stray cats will find their way here and others will be let out here because many know that Buddhist temples do take care of animals.

We are willing to do that, but now I am also asking for help. I know most of you cannot come to Sanger to get a cat even if you wanted to. We cannot afford the cost of fixing the problem. We do have wonderful donors who ship wet and dry cat food for this herd every month and we will feed them and take care of them as best we can, but we must stop the explosion. I want people to be able to come and do solitary and group retreats. If these cats keep multiplying it will be difficult. We will continue to try and find good homes for them and look for other alternatives. What we have found is the Feral Cat Program, sponsored by H.O.P.E. (Halt Overpopulation with Prevention and Education). For only $130 you can sponsor a kitty getting what he/she needs to flourish at the temple. That includes spay/neuter, antibiotic injection, rabies vaccine, and ear tip). Reba Jinbo Rinpoche, the Treasurer of the Xuanfa Institute will manage a special fund, dedicated only to the care and treatment of our cats and kittens. CLICK for more on how to contact him. And THANKS!!!!

Four beautiful lively healthy friendly and domesticated kittens need a home. Please text if you can take them. 626-375-6328 or zhaxiz@gmail.com. Very affectionate. One Grey male and three black & white, black, and tiger-striped females.