Behind the Door with Inge Peters, Founder of Saving Future Feral Cats
Welcome and come on in and meet Inge Peters, founder of Saving Future Feral Cats (SFFC). Inge’s background just naturally lends itself to the work that she is doing with feral cats. Inge has 30 years’ experience rescuing, working with and helping to retrieve lost and endangered animals. Saving Future Feral Cats is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the overpopulation and suffering of abandoned cats. SFFC believes it is our responsibility as a community to care for the cats that we as humans have abandoned or failed to spay/neuter or forced to live outdoors.
When and why did you decide to start SFFC? Was there one specific occurrence? I have rescued animals for as long as I can remember. My father would bring animals home that lost their parents or were injured or fell out of their nests. I would raise them and then release them. I raised animals from baby birds to skunks.
Near a feral colony, an elderly lady was holding a young kitten and visibly upset because another had gotten hit. I stopped to speak with her and the two of us put a plan together to ask for donations. I knew the only way I could continue to do this was to organize as a non-profit. I named it Saving Future Feral Cats.
How do you believe you have made a difference in our community? We not only TNR cats (Trap, Neuter/Spay, Return); we also educate on issues such as safely feeding feral and community cats, providing shelter, socializing scared cats, and introducing a new pet. We also help with pet rescues and searches. The list has grown to include other pets and wildlife. When I say I receive 10 to 20 calls, texts or messages a day asking for help, it is no exaggeration.
Cats can have as many as 8 kittens at one time, 3 times a year. These kittens can get pregnant at 5 months of age... so you see how this can exponentially grow into a hundred cats in no time. The more we at SFFC talk about what we do, more in the community are becoming aware and helping to save the cats and other animals.
What are some common health concerns you’ve encountered with feral cats? Most we encounter are fairly healthy. Their biggest enemies are humans and cars. We’re encountering more issues with all cats, not just feral cats, such as more mouth and teeth infections and issues with viruses.
What has been your biggest challenge in promoting SFFC? TIME! I am so busy saving, rescuing, searching for lost pets and caring for 100 cats, that it is difficult for me to take the time to promote what we do. I would love to have someone volunteer to promote our mission and help with fundraising.
What’s involved in rehabilitating feral cats? Are some cats not able to be rehabilitated… and why? I believe all cats can be rehabilitated; some that will take longer. It takes patience, slow movements, lots of trust both from the cat and individuals, and much handling. Most true feral cats would rather continue living their feral life. There are so many strays and other cats that need homes that we recommend leaving ferals to stay feral, and to care for them by providing shelter and food.
Have you adopted any feral cats? Our favorite feral cat right now is Casper. He once was a really mean guy that was trapped by me and Chesapeake Cats and Dogs. CCAD was taking care of him. He had a lower jaw and lower lip cut and was on medications. CCAD could not get near him so I came to help by visiting every day to give him medications. We decided that it would be best if SFFC took Casper into our care. After a few months of constant care, Casper finally started easing up. He is now the sweetest White Fat boy and a favorite with volunteers and visitors.
If you would like to help SFFC, visit www.savingfutureferalcats.org/ or www.facebook.com/Savingfutureferals for regular updates on cats needing homes and how you can help.