Inspired by HSSV’s “Helping Homeless Cats in Your Community” seminar, Virginia McCoy rescued her first feral kitten, Cisco, from behind the building where she works.Next, Virginia trapped Cisco’s mother, spayed her at HSSV, and released her. “It gives me hope that I’m working towards the solution. Because this one cat--this one mom who is out there--there will not be any more kittens from her. One at a time, I figured. It may not make a big difference, but it makes a huge difference to that one.”
But it does make a difference! One unspayed female cat can have two litters within five months of each other, and those kittens can have kittens within five to six months. By spaying Cisco’s mom, Virginia prevented the birth of dozens more kittens who would have had a bleak existence on the streets.
One by one, Virginia trapped the rest of the litter and found foster homes for them. (The photo is of kitten SOX in his new home.) They will be spayed and neutered at HSSV once they are old enough. “The kittens are young enough that they can learn to be family pets. I’ll feed the momma cat for the rest of her life, and do whatever I can.”
For Virginia, this is only the beginning. She hopes by having the courage to take action, she will inspire others to do the same. “One little thing that one person does may feel small … but, if a whole bunch of people do little things, then it’s a big thing.” I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all, Virginia!
If you’d like to learn more about helping homeless cats, visit www.hssv.org/homelesscats.html
Virginia, you're incredible! Lots of people probably saw the cats at your office but you’re the one who did something to help them. And not just help by feeding but by making a REAL difference, making sure that mom-cat didn’t have more kittens. I believe the correct life for a cat is in a home, well loved and on a pillow in the sun. Thank you for taking the one small step that really was a giant leap!
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