Hirakata City Project Update 3: 61 Cats and Counting

Here is the third update on the Hirakata City Project. (Click here to see all articles related to this project.)

Yamada-Ike Koen is like many spots in Japan, a place known for cats, and so people decide that is the place to throw them away. Those cats multiply, many die, but numbers continue to build.

As of May 13, we have spayed and neutered 61 cats at Yamada-Ike Koen. Though it is still hard to ascertain the total number of cats in the park, our working estimate is over 100. Our plan is to continue, and neuter as near to all in the park as is possible. Sunday, May 18th is our next trapping day. There will be no Japan Cat Network meeting in Kyoto on that day.

Several boxes of kittens have been found abandoned in various parts of the park as well. It has become our policy to report the crime of animal abandonment, after each incident, to the local police. So far, 14 kittens have been taken to our shelter. Caring for them takes a tremendous amount of determined effort. The youngest kittens need feedings through the night. A hard job for even a cat mama. Donations of kitten food would be a welcome help. We really hope to find good homes for the kittens - If you would like to add a kitten to your family please contact us and pass along our request to your friends.

We continue to have great support from various people and small groups to do the actual work of trapping, transportation and in between care. ARK, JAWS Osaka and various individuals have contributed funds which should comprise 50% of the total needed for operations. Money is also needed for rescued kittens, and sick cats removed from the park. If you are able to donate, even if just $5, it will be a great help. You may let us know if you would prefer it to be applied toward the spay/neuter operations, or to go to the cat rescue fund. If you have no preference, we will choose the most needy area.

We do need every kind of possible help; drivers, cat trappers, foster families for kittens, new homes for cats and kittens, writers, photographers, translators, bloggers, builders, people with media contacts, donations of cat food, donations of cages, whether you have a way to come out and help, or if you have a way to support those who are coming out to help, please consider what you can do. Most obviously we need money. Thank you for participating in a project that will make a real difference.