With additional funding, our rescue can expand its TNR program, preventing future litters and helping to control the growing stray cat population in Northeast Missouri.
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Kirksville, MO, and the surrounding Northeast Missouri communities face a significant pet overpopulation issue, particularly among stray and feral cat populations. Due to the region’s geographic isolation—being more than an hour and a half from the nearest major city—access to affordable spay and neuter services is limited. Additionally, as a college town, Kirksville experiences an influx of students who may leave behind unaltered cats when they move, further contributing to the stray population.
Local feral cat colonies are well-documented, with several known colonies in Kirksville and neighboring communities. One of the largest is in La Plata, approximately 15 minutes from Kirksville, where an estimated 50–100 cats reside. Our rescue has played an active role in addressing the issue, successfully trapping, neutering, and returning (TNR) approximately 107 cats in the past year alone. In addition to those efforts, we have received more than two dozen requests for assistance or information regarding stray cat populations, indicating the ongoing need for intervention.
Other local organizations have also contributed to addressing the problem. The Lindquist Veterinary Center, which hosted World Spay Day, has sterilized 110 cats over the past two years, while KV-POP provides financial assistance for pet owners seeking spay/neuter services. However, despite these efforts, the number of unaltered stray and feral cats continues to grow, straining local resources and increasing the risk of disease spread, predation on native wildlife, and overpopulation in animal shelters.
