The Biggs Feral Cat Program follows a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) model, in which feral cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their original location. Designed by Freepik, www.freepik.com

BIGGS, CA (MPG) - The Biggs City Council voted unanimously Oct. 28 to extend its partnership with the PAWS Clinic of Oroville, continuing the city’s Feral Cat Program for another six months.

The council approved $3,000 in funding from the General Fund, to be allocated through a mid-year adjustment to the Animal Control Services budget. According to Interim City Administrator Rodney Harr, the program has stabilized the feral cat population, reduced nuisance complaints and supported public health goals while operating on a modest, volunteer-driven budget.

Two key figures in the program, Berenice Worth, founder of the Biggs feral cat initiative, and Brenda Wiley, a foster mom caring for feral kittens, shared insights into the ongoing efforts and challenges.

Worth, who has led the program since its launch in 2022, told the council they have treated more than 400 cats, including 352 that received veterinary care through PAWS. Since June, 627 females have been spayed.

“We’ve made a huge difference in the cat population,” Worth said, thanking the City of Biggs for its financial support. “We do the work, but we can’t do this without you.”

Wiley described pulling litter after litter from mud puddles, storm drains, and tree branches, stating that without program funding, their lives would be defined by injury, starvation, and disease.

“I wouldn’t want the life of a feral cat,” Wiley told the council. “Your generosity is saving lives.”

The Biggs Feral Cat Program follows a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) model, in which feral cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their original location. PAWS’ approach aligns with best practices recommended by the Humane Society of the United States, which supports TNR as the most effective and humane method for managing community cat populations. Cities that implement TNR often see fewer cats entering shelters, lower euthanasia rates, and reduced public health risks. These programs also help minimize taxpayer costs and foster stronger community engagement by empowering local volunteers to take part in long-term solutions, officials said.

Worth and Wiley, however, noted that their efforts are sometimes complicated by well-meaning residents who feed stray cats without participating in TNR. One woman reportedly feeds cats at multiple locations and drives around town each morning with a trail of cats following her van. Residents have also released cats from traps, resulting in unchecked reproduction and colony growth. Others have interfered with trapping efforts by damaging equipment out of misunderstanding or concern.

To address confusion, Worth said she now tags traps with laminated cards explaining the program and includes her contact information.

“Last week someone called me and asked, ‘What is this?’” Worth said. “They were nice about it, and I’m glad they called instead of destroying the trap.”

Councilmember Catalina Sanchez made the motion to approve the funding, which passed without opposition.

The PAWS Clinic, located at 3557 Oroville Dam Blvd East, offers low-cost spay and neuter services, rabies vaccinations, and ear-tipping for feral cats. The clinic operates Monday through Friday and can be reached at 530-534-0900 or online at pawsoforoville.org.