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Columbia Cat Action Team asks for $4,800 from borough to continue TNVR program
Summary
CCAT leaders said their trap-neuter-vaccinate-return program has sterilized more than 500 cats since 2023 and asked the borough for $4,800 in 2026 funding to sustain services, citing rabies prevention and public-health benefits.
Representatives of the Columbia Cat Action Team (CCAT) asked the borough on Oct. 7 for $4,800 to continue a TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) program they said has sterilized and vaccinated hundreds of community cats and reduced local kitten litters.
Dr. Nikki Waltzmeier, a veterinarian who works with the Columbia Animal Shelter, described public-health rationales and program outcomes: she said CCAT trapped 193 cats last year and has hit roughly 500 cats since the program began about two-and-a-half years ago. “We trapped 193 cats last year and that's $50 per cat that comes out to $9,650. For your $3,000 investment, that's 317% return on that investment,” she told council, citing per-cat costs that include spay/neuter and vaccinations.
CCAT leaders told council that the program uses local clinics for surgeries and that overflow arrangements have been necessary when the primary clinic is at capacity. They said volunteer trappers and community donations supplement municipal funding; presenters asked the borough to consider the $4,800 ask for 2026 to add trappers and cover projected clinic costs.
Councilors asked about program metrics, cost breakdowns and fundraising; presenters provided historical budget figures and said they had raised some funds and conducted outreach to neighboring municipalities. Council did not approve the ask at the workshop and will consider CCAT’s request as part of the budget process.
