Little Falls Cares

Not-so-fun-fact: a typical cat pregnancy lasts about nine weeks, making it possible for a female cat to birth as many as three litters per year, each of which can yield between one and ten kittens.

Are you concerned about the stray or feral cat population in your Little Falls neighborhood? Have you rescued strays, had them spayed or neutered, or spent time and money doing what you can to control the unwanted cats in your area?
Do you believe that the stray cat problem will not simply go away on its own? If so, then read on.

In April 2022, The Daily Post (then My Little Falls) published an article about the Dolgeville Cat Action Team (C.A.T.), a small but very dedicated group of individuals who successfully initiated a program to control the stray cat population in Dolgeville. It all started when a feral cat with rabies bit a resident, which led to the discovery of a colony of feral cats. Subsequently, the group was formed under Dolgeville Forward, a not-for-profit citizens’ group focusing on eight different areas of concern within the community. The C.A.T. operated under the health and safety subcommittee, and was able to raise money as associated with the Dolgeville Forward group.

The Dolgeville Cat Action Team is still going strong. Working together, as of June 2025 they have neutered 161 male cats, spayed 154 female cats, and provided 325 rabies vaccinations. The number of rescued cats taken to other groups or fostered by group members totals 186. They have assisted 415 pet owners with spay/neuter surgery. A big part of the Dolgeville program is community education, as well. Once word got out, the feral and stray population decreased significantly. In total, they have provided varying services for a total of 971 cats!

There are several benefits of a Trap Neuter Return (T.N.R.) program. Nuisance behaviors such as spraying, excessive noisemaking and fighting are largely eliminated, and no additional kittens are born. By stabilizing the population, cats will naturally have more space, shelter and food, and there will be fewer risks of disease. After being spayed or neutered, cats living in a managed group, or colony, tend to gain weight and live healthier lives. Neutering male cats reduces the risk of injury and infection since intact males have a natural instinct to fight with other cats. Female cats that have been spayed do not go into heat, thereby attracting fewer tom cats to the area which reduces fighting and mating.

Two Little Falls residents, Eva Allegretti and Ed Battisti, are hoping to launch a similar program in their city. They can’t, however, do it alone.

They already have the approval of the Herkimer County Humane Society. When contacted, a representative from that agency replied that creating a T.N.R. program would be a huge gift for the kitties and the community, and that the cats in surrounding villages are multiplying so fast that taking them all in is impossible. The Humane Society has an extensive list of surrenders, as well as strays that have become a concern for local residents.

How can you help? Please take a minute to complete the attached survey. The results will determine if problems exist, and will help Eva and Ed move forward as they invite community members to work together to control the stray and feral cat population.

Additionally, you are invited to join Ed and Eva for a presentation at the Little Falls Rotary meeting to be held at the Little Falls Elk’s Club located at 60 N. Ann St. on Wednesday, July 23 at 7:00. Prior to the presentation guests may join Rotary members for dinner at 6:30 for a $20 charge – please call ahead at (352) 636 – 6620 for a guest dinner reservation.

All are welcome.

If you have ideas to share or are able to assist in any way you may reach Eva and Ed via email at lfcares@yahoo.com.

A special thank you to the Dolgeville C.A.T. members for their advice and support, to the Herkimer County Humane Society, and to Dave Warner.

SURVEY QUESTIONS
Yes / No / No opinion

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