JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – When Argie Perry and Kim Frenzel arrive at Wharf Street in Middleburg every day, the local felines know exactly what they’re getting.
These dedicated women are the heart and soul behind Argie’s Cat Rescue, a mission to feed, rescue and find homes for feral cats.
Two years ago, Perry launched the Facebook page, Argie’s Cat Rescue, in Clay County, which has since grown to support more cats and has attracted 400 members online.
“I feed about 80-90 cats across 19 different locations,” Perry said.
“She’s got me beat,” Frenzel said. “I’m at five locations with 65 cats.”
Perry and Frenzel ensure these cats receive the nutrition they need and the medical attention necessary to prevent overpopulation.
They humanely trap local feral cats and take them to a vet for spaying, neutering and vaccinations.
“I keep them overnight in their trap, and by the next morning, the anesthesia has worn off,” Perry said.
This effort is part of a broader initiative to manage what experts prefer to call “community cats,” which are prevalent in the area.
Lawrence Nicolas, CEO of the Jacksonville Humane Society, emphasizes the importance of spaying and neutering as the healthiest way to address the issue.
“The need is great,” Lawrence said. “The best way to help us save more cats is by having more cats altered in the community.”
The humane society takes in 4,000 to 6,000 cats and kittens annually, saving over 92% of them last year.
As “kitten season” approaches, Nicolas says the humane society anticipates an increase in calls about cats and kittens, as spring and summer mark the peak of mating season.
For residents of Duval County facing a cat problem, the Duval Cat Fix program offers free spaying and neutering for up to six cats per resident per month.
More information is available through First Coast No More Homeless Pets or by calling 904-425-0005.
Last year, First Coast No More Homeless Pets -- one of the largest spay/neuter clinics in the country -- performed 11,597 spay/neuter surgeries.
In Clay County, Argie’s Cat Rescue can be contacted via Facebook for assistance with feral cats.
Additionally, the Clay County Humane Society offers free community cat sterilization every Tuesday, with no residency restrictions, on a first-come, first-served basis. They can be reached at 904-276-7729.
