Natchez has a stray and feral cat problem. That’s not breaking news. Most communities do.

We could debate back and forth about what caused it and how to fix it but we would never come to agreement and nothing would happen to remedy the situation.

Except, something is happening here — something that’s making a big difference already.

A group of good-hearted Natchez people — not more than 10 — has come together to actually do something for these cats.

Only the money of those participating and other private donations funds this group, known loosely as the Natchez Feral Cat Program. It is operating under the auspices of Mississippi Spay and Neuter.

These volunteers are at work around town trapping cats, getting them spayed and neutered and returning them to the area from whence they came. Returning the spayed and neutered cats to the area they know — where they know a food source and a secure hiding place when needed — is critical. They also have the cats vaccinated against rabies and other diseases.

Further, they feed these cats, which means the cats are healthier and more resistant to communicable diseases and like that could spread beyond the cat colony.

The most important thing they are doing right now is trapping new kittens. As you can imagine if you’ve ever been around feral cats, trapping kittens isn’t an easy task, and these volunteers have the scars to prove it.

They are taking these kittens, getting them fed and socialized and ready to be adopted into homes.

Kathy Fitch, who founded HoofBeats and PawPrints Rescue, is working with these volunteers and has been able to place about 20 or so kittens a month through her transport program.

You can see, slowly but surely, these dedicated animal lovers are making a wonderful difference here in reducing the number of the stray and feral cat population and the health of those who remain.

Don’t think about calling them. Don’t think about getting them to take your litter of unwanted kittens. These volunteers are targeting areas they think are in most need of their services.

How can you help them? You can be of assistance to the Natchez Feral Cat Program in several ways.

First, they need clumping cat litter, dry kitten chow, canned kitten food, cat treats like Whisker Lickin, catnip and cat toys.

You can drop those items off at Greene Surveying Solutions, 118 Jefferson Davis Blvd., Suite B in Natchez.

Money is a great way to help. If you would like to help cover the cost of spaying and neutering these stray and feral cats and kittens, please make checks payable to MS Spay and Neuter — and it’s very important to write that the funds are FOR: NATCHEZ FERAL CAT FUND.

Mail them to:

Mississippi Spay and Neuter

100 Business Center Parkway, Suite B

Pearl, MS 39208

Lastly, this group has no place to put feral cats that need to be relocated, other than finding barns where they can live and be helpful to the farm or barn owner. Unfortunately, the group has saturated its list of farmers and is in need of new barns in which to place its “unwanted” feral cats.

The Natchez Feral Cat Program has a number of barn cats seeking employment. They will work for food and shelter. They will take care of rodents that destroy your farm equipment. They will be delivered free to barns that pass inspection.

Do you know of a barn that could use a hard working barn cat or two? If you do, text Marie at 601-597-9350.

Here’s your opportunity to be part of the solution. If you can help these volunteers in their work, please do.

Jan Griffey is general manager of The Natchez Democrat. You may reach her at jan.griffey@natchezdemocrat.com or 601-445-3627.