Ocracats Clinic Helps Control Ocracoke Feral Cat Population

(from the Ocracoke Observer, Oct. 12, 2018)

By Rita Thiel

OcraCats Inc. held another successful spay/neuter clinic the first week in October.

Veterinarians Dr. Howard Johnson, of Boone, and Dr. Scott Schroeder, and their assistants, composed of family and staff, skillfully “fixed” 49 cats, including about a dozen privately owned cats.

The numbers were split fairly evenly between males and females.

Rabies vaccinations, flea treatments and worming applications were also given to each cat after surgery. Two kittens were also trapped together and being too young for surgery were soon adopted by Jenny Mason and taken to their new island home.

The clinic was partially funded by a grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation, which covered the cost of the surgeries. Other clinic expenses are paid for by OcraCats.  Not only were free spay/neuters offered to residents’ cats, but several island residents brought their cats just to receive a free rabies booster, provided for by Hyde County.

Dr. Howard Johnson, DVM, left, spays a female OcraCat. Joanna Burkett, assists. Photo by Rita Thiel
Dr. Howard Johnson, DVM, left, spays a female OcraCat. Joanna Burkett, assists. Photo by Rita Thiel
The veterinary team from Boone, N.C., spays a female Ocracat. From left, Joanna Burkett, veterinary technician, Kevin Johnson, Dr. Howard Johnson, Mariesa Johnson and Garrett Burkett. Photo by Rita Thiel
The veterinary team from Boone, N.C., spays a female Ocracat. From left, Joanna Burkett, veterinary technician, Kevin Johnson, Dr. Howard Johnson, Mariesa Johnson and Garrett Burkett. Photo by Rita Thiel