Join Brigid’s Crossing Foundation Cat Sanctuary and the Collier Community Cat Coalition (CCC) in a local celebration of their first annual Community Cat Month. The purpose of the month-long activities, coordinated by Brigid’s Crossing and CCC (primarily a Trap, Neuter, Release group with volunteers feeding registered feral cat colonies), is to help raise awareness of National Feral Cat Day on October 16.

Launched in 2001 by the nonprofit organization Alley Cat Allies, National Feral Cat Day events promote humane treatment and protection for feral and stray cats. “We call them ‘community cats,’ because they or their ancestors once had a family to call their own,” says Heather Burch, founder of Brigid’s Crossing.

Free Naples events include an October 4 healing circle dedicated to homeless cats, at Animal Health Oasis, and festivities on October 15 at CCC. A Bonita Springs October 16 event includes low-cost services for cats and family fun. On October 22, Whole Foods Market, in Naples, will host cat adoptions and a book signing by Cat and Crow author Lisa Fleming.

Bonita and Naples volunteer veterinarians are also offering a free spay/neuter program for orphaned cats; register early with Brigid’s. “Help stray and feral cats by catching them in special no-harm traps, usually available from local animal shelters, and having a veterinarian spay or neuter them,” advises Burch. She notes that veterinarians also clip the tip of one ear to indicate that a cat has been spayed or neutered.

For more information about event times and locations, contact Brigid’s Crossing at 239-591-8425 or Brigid.com. Also visit HumaneSociety.org/issues/feral_cats and AlleyCat.org/nfcd.