Creemore Cats controls feral population with minimal funds

In 2011, when a group of local women officially formed the organization Creemore Cats, there was already an effort underway by its members to address the village’s feral cat problem.

Since then they have arranged for more than 300 cats to be fixed, and the feral cat population in their care is down to around 40.

Creemore Cats was presented a $1,000 community grant from Clearview Township on Tuesday. It is one of their only sources of funding, aside from community donations and fundraising efforts.

When asked where the money will be directed, Deidre Pringle, a founding member of Creemore Cats, said at this time the funds will cover a costly surgery needed for one of the cats. Usually, funds are used to provide food for the cats, just enough to keep them from eating all the birds in town.

Looking back, Pringle remembers when the village was overrun by cats, many the offspring of particularly frisky tomcat named Will Feral.

“You would walk out in the evening just before dark and there were cats everywhere,” she said.

A plan was hatched to live trap them one by one, which was no easy feat, have them fixed and then released back into the colonies. Their mandate was always to slowly whittle the population down and eventually eradicate it by attrition. In rare cases, the cats are placed in homes.

What Creemore Cats really needs is new volunteers, said Pringle. People are needed to offer relief support to the regular volunteers who each feed the cats one day per week and keep an eye on them.

“We are a fun and eclectic group of people,” said Pringle with a chuckle.

The Creemore Cat ladies will be donning their cat ears at the Creemore Clothing/Goods Exchange Swap and Sale on May 24, where they will be accepting donations. Organized by member Beth Seaborne Harte, the event will include a “catwalk” fashion show.

The clothing exchange is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. inside Station on the Green, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside on the Green (weather permitting).

It will include fundraising for Outrun Dog Rescue, Georgian Triangle Humane Society, a mending table for immediate repairs, dry cleaning pick-up, children’s activities and more.

Shop for $10 per bag, or by donation to the food bank.

Donations of gently used clothing, baby goods, sporting goods, toys, books, bedding and dog accessories will be accepted at Station on the Green before 9 a.m. on May 24 or by contacting Seaborne Hart at 905-717-6123.