Spay and Neuter Clinic Serves 96 Community Cats in Sheridan County

Ninety-six feral and barn cats received spay or neuter surgery and preventive veterinary care Saturday, October 17, during a clinic at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds.

Organized by Sheridan Friends of Ferals Initiative, the clinic served 69 female and 27 male cats from throughout Sheridan County. Sheridan Media Marketing Group served as a coordinating partner, assisting with lodging, meals, and grant coordination.

A grant from a donor-advised fund at the Wyoming Community Foundation covered the majority of the clinic’s costs, allowing services to be provided at no charge to cat caretakers.

All cats received rabies and FVRCP vaccinations and basic health care before returning to their outdoor homes through the Trap-Neuter-Return program. By preventing future litters, the clinic’s work will help reduce cat overpopulation throughout the county.

“This clinic represents months of planning, fundraising, trapping, and community collaboration,” said Elaine Kristiansen, coordinator of the Sheridan Friends of Ferals Initiative.

Approximately 35 volunteers helped the clinic run smoothly, contributing veterinary care, trapping, transportation, patient preparation, and recovery support.

The veterinary team included Dr. Cindy Hager of Sheridan, Dr. Kelsey Bassett of Billings, and Dr. Kristopher Norris, founder of Trailhead Veterinary Service in Billings. Veterinary technicians Sharon Waldron, Heather Luhman, and Cassie Lunder also supported the surgical team.

The clinic benefited from the supplies and expertise of Cheyenne’s Spay and Neuter Cruiser team, including Janet Marschner and veterinary technician Kena Walling. Jana Gregersen and Terry Henn coordinated pre-surgical preparation and patient care, helping ensure a smooth flow of cats throughout the day.

Organizers thanked the volunteers, donors, businesses, and community partners who made the clinic possible and hope to hold another clinic.

One unspayed female cat can produce an estimated 12 kittens a year, and her female offspring can have litters of their own by 6 months of age. By spaying 69 females, this clinic likely prevented hundreds of births in 2027 alone, and countless more across future generations.  Sheridan Friends of Ferals Initiative operates under the fiscal sponsorship of Accounting for One Another, a Wyoming nonprofit organization. Additional donations will help cover supplies and support future events. Residents interested in future clinics or helping address feral cat overpopulation are encouraged to contact Sheridan Friends of Ferals Initiative.