A kitty cat paradise in the Lonestar state

Donna Dayhoff Powell is the director of Street Cat Rescue, a longtime Austin, Texas area feline organization. Donna is an expert when it comes to TNR or 'trap, neuter, release.' "Trap-neuter-return (TNR) is a type of program through which free-roaming cats are trapped, sterilized (males are castrated and females undergo ovo-hysterectomies), and returned to the outdoor locations where they were found."

When she received notice a feral cat feeder was moving and needed to find someone to continue caring for a colony, Donna knew relocation of a colony is difficult. Then, the unexpected happened. A realtor contact knew of someone interested in becoming a feral cat caregiver. 

"She said, we'd love to take on this project. She is teaching her kids about the whole process and how to have a backyard family of cats." Literally, a case of the impossible happening.

Donna contacted the person who said, "I have this chicken coop that we could keep them up in for a month...and then when it's time ..there's a chicken run which leads to a kids "play area".

"I told her I'm not a fan of relocation and will only do it IF they have the proper setup, and IF, they will be held up for at least a month and IF they have an enclosed area (NO CRATES in a barn)," Donna tells the property owner.

So.....upon property inspection, Donna relates, "I say, she understated this one! A Cats paradise!"

Donna was blown away. "Trees galore, two acres and THIS! I was in awe the whole time and I kept saying..uh this is no chicken coop! The chicken "house" is solid, with hardware cloth windows to look out and she's going to add several perching spots for them to make their "month" stay comfortable. And then she will add a cat door for the comings and goings, after a month. The chicken "coop" is next to the barn."

Anyone in rescue will tell you, events like this don't happen every day! Donna 'warns' her cat friends, "don't even bother asking me feral cat folks....if she takes any more down the road it will be from me!"

Street Cat Rescue is revving up for their annual fundraiser. If you are in the Austin, Texas area a love cats, this one's not to miss. Prizes, music, fun, food and lotsa cats and cat lovers.