Nola is the first cat that the Tharps cared for.
Her tipped ear helped the family first learn about the Trap-Neuter-Return program.
Alley Cat Advocates makes Louisville the safest city for community cats while bringing friends and families together. Although the Tharp family – Ronnie, Danna, Amber, and Dane- are new to the services Alley Cat Advocates provides, they are very familiar with the Fairdale community cat population.
The family learned about the Trap-Neuter-Return program after adopting Nola – a stray, ear-tipped cat. Since then, they’ve had a wide variety of felines visit their home for food and shelter. Ronnie (father) often finds a few cats lounging in his garage while his wife, Danna, cares for newborn kittens in the family’s home.
Amber’s (daughter) favorite part of caring for community cats is the name game. “We have a cat named Moo,” she said, describing the cat’s black and white coat. “I named one cat Fox, because she likes to hide in holes, like fox holes.” The Tharps also mentioned their cat Stache, who has a mustache-like feature under his nose.
After a few unexpected litters, the Tharps realized it was time to manage their community cat population. They contacted Alley Cat Advocates for assistance. The family has already brought ten cats to the clinic and is looking forward to continuing their relationship with Alley Cat Advocates in the future.
Amber and Dane (son) have simple advice for beginner caretakers: be sure to provide food, water, and shelter. “It’s getting hot outside,” Dane explained. “The cats need shelter to get out of the sun. Cat’s lives matter,” he proclaimed proudly.
We thank Ronnie, Danna, Amber, and Dane, along with the rest of our community’s caretakers, for their dedication to caring for and maintaining Louisville’s community cat population. For more information on how to care for community cats, please visit Alley Cat Advocates’ Community Cat Care Center.