Today we’d like to introduce you to Vyki Derrick.
Hi Vyki, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Friends of Ferals TNR and Cat Rescue was founded in 2022 by a compassionate and dedicated Port Neches resident who loves cats and is committed to making a difference in their lives. Our founder started this project out in her own neighborhood after when she noticed the cats on her street were becoming more and more abundant. She had heard of TNR and thought it would be a good idea. In May of 2022, she started her first Facebook fundraiser for TNR and raised approximately $3,000 for TNR efforts and caring for homeless cats and kittens.
Initially, our focus was solely on Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) activities to control the local feral cat population. However, as we delved deeper into this mission, we found ourselves coming across cats and kittens that required immediate help—those who were sick, injured, or in dire conditions. These cats needed a little extra TLC; some needed medical attention that required extended recovery, and others were not feral and considered adoptable, while others were too young to remain outside alone. This unexpected but vital part of our journey led us to expand our services to become a Cat Rescue as well.
Given the limitations of our resources and to ensure that we provide the best possible care, we’ve established boundaries on our rescue operations. At present, we only take in cats and kittens from the Port Neches area, as that’s the extent of our current capacity. This focused approach enables us to channel our resources effectively, ensuring that we can make a real difference in our local feline community.
Our mission is to humanely reduce the overpopulation of feral cats in Port Neches, TX, by raising public awareness, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), and rescuing homeless but friendly cats and kittens that we find along the way.
The TNR approach involves humanely trapping feral cats, getting them spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and then releasing them back into their colony. This helps to reduce the population of feral cats, prevent the spread of diseases, and improve their overall health and well-being.
In addition to TNR and rescue, Friends of Ferals Inc. also provides other services for feral and stray cats, such as food, shelter, and medical care. The organization also works to educate the public about the importance of TNR and responsible cat ownership.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t!
Up until around May 2023, I had a partner that did the majority of the transporting and caring for the cats. She would come to my house (the rescue) once a day and take care of them, and I would cover the evening shift. She did a great deal. I never thought I could do it all on my own until her and her family had to move. While I do have volunteers and fosters, I do the majority of the transporting, appointment-making, adoption screening, and caring for the cats. I also have a family, a full-time job, and personal pets in addition to running the rescue/TNR program. I also do most of the TNR. We are in the process of training some of the volunteers to take on more work, which I hope will lighten the load in 2024.
The other big bump has been the city where we reside, placing a feeding ban on feral cats within the city limits. They have their sights set on a local park where we have TNR’ed the majority of the colony. Since the ban, we’ve dealt with feeders getting fined and a lot of pushback from the city – with no support for the work we are doing. Since the ban was implemented, we’ve removed and rehomed about 30 cats from the park – only a couple dozen remain. The majority of the remaining cats are feral and would not do well being placed in a home, and relocation could be very stressful for them. We are working on alternative solutions and still trying to convince the city to repeal the ban.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Since the inception of our program in May 2022, 500+ cats have gone through our vets for spaying/neutering, medical care, etc.
We have TNR’ed probably close to 200 cats.
I’ve been told by other well-seasoned Trappers that I have great instincts when it comes to trapping. Trapping isn’t simply just a matter of setting a trap and waiting. You have to think like a cat, know their habits, mannerisms, how they act and react to different scenarios. Every cat is different, so you have to pay close attention.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Friends of Ferals relies on the support of volunteers and donations from the community to carry out our mission. We are committed to providing the best possible care for feral and stray cats and making a positive impact in the Port Neches area.
We also rely a great deal on larger no-kill shelters to be able to transfer to – especially when it comes to special needs cats. Being a small private rescue, people can’t just walk in and look at cats and pick which one they want. Public shelters have that advantage, and sometimes, it helps cats get adopted faster.
Our website has forms that allow people to sign up to foster, adopt, and volunteer.
We also have many ways that people can donate:
Donate directly to our “Friends of Ferals” Rescue account at Neighborhood Veterinary Center – Nederland at +1 (409) 254-6682.
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5TT4KN2KXSYNG
Venmo: @friendsofferalstx
Cashapp: $friendsofferals
OR
By mail at Friends of Ferals PO Box 622 Port Neches, TX 77651
Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2QU44AAGCVWQ3?ref_=wl_share
Contact Info:
- Website: https://friendsofferalstx.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofferalstx
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendsofferals
