Six Feral Cats, Six Second Chances
Last week, we had some special guests in our clinic.
Brought in by caring community cat trappers were six feral cats — not pets, not strays, but cats that had no socialization with humans. Through our Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) program, they received essential sterilization surgeries and vaccinations at the OHS.
We knew most would likely never be adopted into homes, but thanks to this program, they were given something just as meaningful: a second chance to live safely and freely.
It’s no coincidence this all unfolded during Feral Cat Awareness Week. There are an unknown number of feral cats in Ottawa, living in alleys, fields and barns; often unseen and often suffering. One of the cats, a tabby with a scabbed nose and a cautious glare, had clearly been through a lot for his age. Without a program like TNR, he’d be more likely to get into fights and continue to reproduce, leading to more kittens born into a life of hardship. But with the care he received at the OHS, we’re one step closer to ending that brutal cycle.
As an animal advocate, these are the moments that stick with me. Not just the lives saved, but the lasting impact.
These six cats won’t end up in homes, curled on couches, but they will return to colonies with a kind person who continues to care for them. That’s what second chances look like for feral cats. And second chances are what the OHS, with the support of our incredible community, works toward every single day.
This work reminds us that every animal — feral or friendly, young or old — deserves compassion.
To everyone who supports the OHS, donates, volunteers, or simply shares awareness about the needs of our community cats: thank you. You make this work possible.
Together, we are building a more humane and compassionate community — for all animals.
Sharon Miko
President & CEO