Stray cats. (ID 37658191 © Brenda Carson | Dreamstime.com)

By Alyssa Rudolph

trap, neuter, return program

Small-town idea sparks efforts to address feral cat overpopulation

Jan 16, 2026 | 10:51 AM

What began as a small group of concerned cat lovers in Radisson has grown into a province-wide effort to address feral cat overpopulation.

The West Central Cat Care Program Foundation (WCCCPF), formerly known as the Community Cat Care Project, is a volunteer-run group that started in July.

The foundation helps to support feral cat colonies through a trap, neuter, and return program. Friendly cats are also cared for through their foster and adoption system. Over the past five months, the foundation has successfully spayed and neutered over 70 cats.

Allie Ferris-Nichol, vice president of WCCCPF, said the group originally began with five cat-loving individuals who noticed an increase of strays in their community.

“So many people were complaining, ‘there’s cat poop in my garden and there’s all these kittens running around, one of them is going to get run over’.”

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“Once we started doing some fundraising and some outreach, we realized this is way larger than just one community. In Saskatoon, the shelters are already full, and they try their best to help the rural areas as well. But a lot of times they have to say no,” she said.

Beyond rescuing cats, volunteers throughout the province also provide education and resources to members of their local communities.

“People in small towns, seniors, farmers, and people without reliable access to the internet often do not have the same access to information or resources, and many are not aware of how overwhelmed shelters are or how widespread the issue really is,” she said.

The foundation’s funding currently relies on merchandise sales, donations, and bake sales, with all proceeds going directly toward spay and neuter services, as well as vaccinations and deworming for the cats. All medical procedures are provided through partnered veterinary clinics in North Battleford and Biggar.

Eventually, Ferris-Nichol hopes the foundation will expand enough to be able to host spay and neuter clinic days.

“They could get a reduced rate. So, they’re still paying, but it’s affordable because right now there’s just so many people that don’t have access to a vet because they can’t afford to take a day off to get their cat there,” she said.

Jordyn Fehr-Stead, a local to the area, said she chose to adopt through the organization due to the volunteer’s willingness to help her pick the perfect furry companion.

“I had reached out about another cat, but they said she might not be ready. So, they asked what I was looking for, and then they recommended a couple,” she said.

Overall, her adoption experience was very positive with ongoing communication.

“They do checkups, like ‘How’s Star doing? Any pictures of her?’. I think that’s really important to be sure that the cats are going into good hands and doing well,” said Fehr-Stead.

Recently the foundation has acquired nonprofit status. To make donations or inquire about adoption, contact the West Central Cat Care Program Foundation.

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com