Hi, my name is Kristie and I've got a sad and stressful situation at hand. I have a ferrell cat colony that's grown out of control. It started a few years ago by feeding one stray cat. I'm a softy for all animals, so I couldn't resist. Well, she had kittens and now those kittens have grown and have proceeded to keep the generations going; there are approximately two to three dozen cats/kittens here today.

As seasons change, they are getting sick and over crowded, and I can not afford one vet bill let alone several vet bills. Caring for these cats (and 3 dogs) has become a full time job. I found an amazing program called PetFix Ohio that can help me get them all fixed for a reduced price of 35 dollars each, but that will add up quickly and only comes through my area monthly (max. 4 cats at a time). The cats are trapped in a humane manner, fixed, given rabies shots and meds (if needed, which cost extra) and be released back on this property.

The cats and kittens that come around often are loving and friendly; they are a joy to watch and play with. These ones could be adopted and rehomed once fixed and healthy again.

 I can not wait any longer, I can't handle another litter. I've seen more cats and kittens get sick and die than anyone should ever have to and I wish I could afford to take care of them all properly on my own, but I now admit that I desperately need help. Feeding them is costly also; we go through 16+ lbs in under two weeks. I don't have the heart for euthanizing (in some cases, this might be necessary, and is also costly), and all local shelters are over crowded and struggling with the animals they already have.

Before winter comes, I would like to build insulated cat houses for the ones that are too wild to find a new home, replace some of the carpeting in my house, do a large quantity of laundry/ replace bedding and acquire litter boxes, cleaning supplies, amongst other things that I will need for their care.

I also have a 3-legged rescue cat who is struggling to walk, but is otherwise healthy/ intelligent and has already been through so much just to be alive who requires a special diet and meds for his joints. 

One day I wish to have my own animal shelter, but for now I need help with a problem that has gotten out of control. Hopefully no one else has to learn this lesson the hard way. Once I reach my goals, I will donate any extra money to the Ashtabula County APL and to PetFix Ohio. Every cat I rehome will come w/ a supply of food, bedding and other things if possible. Thank you for reading my story, every little bit helps! Please remember to get your pets spayed and neutered!!!