Over the past three months, the number of stray cats living around our office building has grown from 5 to over 30. During my breaks, I often go downstairs to check on the kittens. One day while feeding them, I witnessed a woman capturing the cats. She told me she would be sending them all to be spayed and neutered. I was familiar with the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) concept, but had never helped with it before. I asked her if I could get involved, and that's how I get to know Chen.
The kittens' territory - the lawn in the center of office buildings
Within two weeks, Chen trapped 20 cats and had them sterilized. The males were returned to the garden near the building the next day, while the females typically needed 2-3 days to recover at the clinic. In addition to the sterilization costs, some cats also required medical treatment. Though the animal hospital offered discounts for strays, it has been a significant expense for Chen, who initially covered 20,000 RMB (about $3,000 USD) herself before fundraising online, to which I also contributed.
Melody, awaiting her neutering
Chen shared her fundraising strategies with me. She carefully researches crowdfunding platforms to run successful campaigns. She also started an online group and invites anyone she sees feeding the cats to join. Chen has done a lot of research into effective TNR programs in other areas.
Chen works in investment banking and has been trying to get her well-off colleagues involved in TNR. At lunchtime, she sometimes helps her colleagues to clean up their used takeout containers, which she then repurposes as food and water bowls for the stray cats. She says she plans to more formally ask for her colleagues' help in the future, but for now, she hopes this gesture will notice them that she's actively working on something. Chen believes you have to provide a service before you can expect others to join your efforts.
I find Chen to be remarkably considerate, patient, and ingenious - the kind of person who can truly make a difference. In these chaotic times, when many feel lost and unsure how to change the world, Chen's efforts are an inspiration.
The kittens in the image were all spayed/neutered in June 2024.
Through our work, female cats in our community no longer have to endure the stress of repeated pregnancy, and the number of stray cats in our community has been brought under control. By addressing the root cause through sterilization, TNR provides a long-term, sustainable solution that is better for the cats and the neighborhood.
Starting today, I will be donating 10% of the revenue from each of my wool felt art pieces sold to support TNR program for the stray cats in my community. By purchasing my wool felt art, you'll be supporting the efforts to improve the lives of those feline residents.
