SOKS Volunteers Help Spay and Neuter 73 Cats in May 2023

This May was a record month for SOKS! We spayed and neutered 73 cats in Stockton. It would not have been possible without our amazing volunteers. Each of them puts in energy, time, and lots of love to take care of feral and stray kitties in our city.

Last spring was extremely challenging because of a high number of kittens born and found all over the town. SOKS volunteers had to really step up the game!

I wanted to recognize our youngest volunteers Lyndsey and Kelsea who took care of two small kittens. Barbara has been with us the longest and is our emergency short-term foster. Asia, Pamela and Neomi also foster cats for SOKS. Elizabeth is a trapper and foster, plus she helps with anything else we might need.

I am also grateful to Tammy, our adoption coordinator and trapper, and to Dana who is always a dependable driver. Jennifer and Jessica work with other non-profits but are always ready to help whenever asked. Josie helps me with computer stuff and gathering data, and recently she has been sawing covers for cat traps. Sylwia manages content on the website and creates our event fliers.

A special shout-out to Caitlin who is absolutely crucial to our mission. She takes care of newborn kittens and bottle-feeds them every two hours. That is a lot of work! In my eyes, Caitlin is a SOKS hero.

I am so grateful for our trappers, fosters, drivers, admin helpers, the staff at spay /neuter clinics working with us, and local businesses who hosted our adoption events. You are invaluable to fulfilling SOKS mission!

A Deaf Kitty Finds Forever Home

Thank you to Carters Pet Mart in Stockton for hosting SOKS adoption event on April 22! Mark your for calendars for the next event in the same location on Saturday, May 13, 11 am – 3 pm.

I am happy to report that our first adoption event at Carter’s was a success because two beautiful, mature cats found forever homes. Each adoption is a cause for celebration at SOKS! One of the adopted kitties was deaf, and it was very heart-warming to see it find a loving family. Thank you.

As always, we are very grateful to our volunteers as well as all community members who showed up at the event. We also extend our gratitude to Carter’s employees assisting during the event.

See you back at Carter’s on Saturday, May 13!

Behind the Scenes of SOKS TNR Efforts

I am proud to let you know that SOKS spayed/neutered 36 cats in Stockton in March. This is our new record!

As you know, TNR (trap-neuter-return) is our preferred approach to managing feline populations in Stockton neighborhoods. I wanted to share with you what one of our March TNR events looked like.

Trapping

A group of SOKS volunteers usually goes out in the evening. We have special traps (see pictures) where cats can be captured and safely transported. They get food and water until 9 pm before the day when we take them to a veterinary clinic in the morning. Over night, the traps are covered with blankets to keep the cats calm and warm.

(Click on the arrow on the right to see more photos)

Neutering/spaying

On March 31, we took 10 cats to a vet in Sacramento. During a visit, the animals also received a health check and, if needed, medical treatment. For instance, one of them needed an antibiotic shot because of an eye infection.

Return

After the cats recover from their surgeries, we will take them back to the same place where they were trapped. This way they can return to a familiar place and their feline families.

Please, watch the video below where I explain more about TNR.

TNR is a very effective and humane method but it needs resources such as volunteers, traps, food, and funds for veterinary procedures. Visit SOKS Support Us page to find out how you can help.