Recently, CLAWS was made aware of a community cat colony at a local landfill.

It is clear that someone is caring for this colony. Food was present, shelters had been built, and cats were actively using them. Whoever the caregiver is, they are showing up and doing the best they can with the knowledge and supplies available to them.😻

Our immediate focus is supporting that caregiver by improving winter shelter, providing appropriate food and bedding, and addressing urgent medical needs as they arise. In prolonged cold, wind, and wet conditions, even well-intended materials can become unsafe, and minor health issues can become life-threatening without veterinary care. We observed at least two cats that may require immediate medical attention.

Many community cats are truly feral — meaning they are not socialized to people and cannot be safely rehomed through shelters or rescues. In situations like this, the most humane approach is to stabilize conditions where the cats already live. This includes supporting the caregiver, spaying and neutering to prevent kittens, and providing medical care as needed.

If any of these community cats are friendly, additional steps will be required before rescue placement is possible. These include veterinary exams, vaccinations, treatment, spay or neuter, and a temporary foster home. All of these steps require time, coordination, and funding.

CLAWS was formed to support community cat caregivers, coordinate Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts, and share practical, humane approaches to managing outdoor cat populations. By improving conditions now, we also help lay the groundwork for future TNR and long-term colony stabilization when resources allow.

Funds raised through this campaign will be used for caregiver support, emergency veterinary care, medication, food, and weather-appropriate shelter for community cats, starting with the landfill colony and extending to urgent needs as they arise.

This fund is for emergency care and survival needs only. CLAWS is not a shelter and cannot take cats.

If these cats — and others like them — receive safer shelter and medical care this winter, it will be because the community made it possible.

Landfill Colony Emergency Vet & Shelter Fund

Emergency vet care, shelter, and survival support for community cats