YORK COUNTY, Pa. — In the United States, overpopulation is identified as the leading cause of death for healthy pet cats. Stepping up to address this issue, a new player has entered the arena to save more feline lives.
Whiskers First Rescue, led by Kira Feinberg, has been actively involved in rehoming cats and combating overpopulation for about six months.
Despite being relatively new, the organization is already at full capacity, with 71 cats and kittens in their care, of which 59 are placed in foster homes across the York, Lebanon, Lancaster, and even Maryland areas. The number of cats under their wing continues to grow, presenting a significant challenge in their mission to break the cycle of overpopulation.
To curb the issue, Whiskers First Rescue has teamed up with a trap-neuter-return organization called Tabby Trappers which has been operational since 2020.
"We want to end the cycle so if we take the kittens out of the mix, get them through rescue and get them what they need being fixed and things like that that’s gonna stop the cycle for more kitties happening," said Feinberg.
Partnering with Tabby Trappers, Whiskers First Rescue is determined to make a difference. "Kira takes the kittens and the ones that are friendly and not quite enough to be neutered. We take the moms and the dads and make sure they’re going to stop creating their babies," said Kayla Butrill, founder of Tabby Trappers.
Whiskers First Rescue's mission extends beyond rehoming kittens and cats. According to Feinberg, "Whiskers' First mission is to bridge the gap between the littlest kitties all the way up to the oldest kitties to stop all of the kitties that don’t have homes and try to help them and get them into rescue the way they need to be cared for."
Acknowledging the significant support they have received, Feinberg expressed gratitude for donations, saying, "Donating items whether it’s food, litter, blankets, formula for little ones like Starlight [is] super helpful."
For those interested in contributing to this cause, whether by donating items such as food or litter, or making a monetary donation, you can find more information on their website.