In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we’ve been working tirelessly to help both people and animals in our community recover. From distributing pet food and supplies to families in need, to reuniting lost pets with their families, to providing critical care for sick and injured kittens who survived the storm, the need has been overwhelming—and so has the response from generous supporters like you.

As the initial disaster response fades, the devastation left behind remains. Over a month and a half later, the damage continues to impact the most vulnerable members of our community, including feral cats and displaced pets who are struggling to survive. The need for help has not diminished. If anything, it has become clearer that we must prepare for a marathon, not a sprint.

We’re calling on you to help us address some urgent needs that will allow us to provide long-term support for the feral and community cats who are depending on us:

Tools to Safely Trap and Help Displaced and Feral Cats
- Humane Traps: Many cats—both indoor pets and outdoor strays—are displaced and terrified, hiding in dangerous conditions. A single humane trap allows us to rescue cats and bring them to safety. More traps are desperately needed for large-scale targeted trapping efforts.

- Drop Trap, Trap Fork, and Transfer Crate: Trap-wary cats require specialized tools like drop traps to catch them safely. Without these tools, many cats remain beyond reach, putting their safety at risk.

Spay and Neuter Surgeries
- Owned Cats Waiting for Surgery: With low-cost clinics still unavailable, these procedures are now more costly, but they are critical to preventing more unplanned litters.
- Feral Cats in Urgent Need: During food deliveries to community feeders, we’ve encountered feral cats that need to be fixed. Spay/neuter surgeries prevent the endless cycle of kittens born into hardship. For sick, injured, or pregnant cats, additional costs arise, requiring extra resources to cover these emergencies.

Ongoing Community Support
- Pet owners across Western North Carolina continue to face financial and logistical barriers to care for their animals. Flea medications and food are in short supply, especially as temporary pet food pantries scale back their operations. Your support helps bridge this gap, ensuring animals don’t suffer due to a lack of resources.

The long-term recovery from Hurricane Helene is daunting, but together, we can ease the suffering and bring hope to the animals and families who are still struggling. By contributing to these efforts, you can ensure that no animal is forgotten in the wake of this disaster.

Your generosity has already saved lives. Please join us again in making a difference for these cats and our community. Every dollar matters. Every act of kindness helps.

Stop the Cycle: Spay/Neuter Feral Cats Today

By Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance

Stop the Cycle: Spay/Neuter Feral Cats Today