Feral cats are an integral part of any community's ecosystem, yet they face numerous challenges that necessitate our attention and support. It is estimated that Marshalltown has a population of approximately 650-750 feral cats. With those numbers, we are in crisis! We need the financial support of the city government to help us develop and sustain a program that will address the needs of both the cats and the community as a whole.

Since the effort began a few years ago, the Marshalltown Feral Support Group, made up of volunteers (but basically one man driving the effort), has paid for 253 spays and neuters through donations and various fund raisers. But there are still over 185 cats on the waiting list. And with only one local vet offering their services at reduced prices and daily limits on the number of surgeries they can commit to, it's a slow process. 

And with each unfixed female potentially producing up to 24 additional kittens each year, it really gets out of hand quickly. Without medical care, feral cats are susceptible to parasites, injuries, and disease which can spread to other animals as well as humans.

The goal is to trap, fix, and release the adult cats that are not as easy to rehome, but many of the kittens (35 currently in foster care) can be tamed and adopted into loving homes.  

Some stats for 2024/2025 so far:

• 253 spays and neuters
• 16 euthanized due to disease or injuries
• 34 injuries needing extensive vet care
• 4 eye removals

Approximate costs per treatment:

• Spay (female)  $140
• Neuter (male)  $90
• FeLV or FIV screening $58
• Eye Removal $600
• Serious Injury Assessment and Treatment  $250-$450
• Radiology  $110
• Euthanasia  $90 (varies)

We are proposing a city/community funded program that focuses on trap-neuter-release (TNR), veterinary care, foster care, and community education. To successfully implement and sustain a program, we estimate an initial funding requirement of $30,000 with additional funding annually.

I am asking for your support, and your signature, so that we can let our city administration know that we, as a community, agree that a humane and effective solution to this problem is desperately needed here in Marshalltown.

Thank you!