Olivia holds her cat, Cash, who she adopted in 2023 as a kitten from a foster home.
By June Portnoy
Yardley’s Olivia Hutchison, a Girl Scout from Troop 21327 and a senior at Pennsbury High School, is making a significant impact on her community through her Gold Project. Partnering with the nonprofit organization Stray Cat Project, Olivia is advocating for the health and welfare of community cats. Her initiative focuses on the importance of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), the spay and neutering of cats, as well as fostering kittens born to community cats, addressing the overpopulation of community cats, and promoting humane solutions.
Olivia explained that “community cat” is an all-encompassing term to include all unowned outdoor cats, regardless of whether they are stray or feral (unsocialized to humans). She strives to correct the misconception that all outdoor cats are feral. In fact, the term applies to the cat’s disposition/temperament, and not where it lives (indoors or outdoors).
From a young age, Olivia developed a deep affection for cats, having grown up with six feline companions over the years. Her empathy for community cats in need inspired her to take action. “Whenever I saw a cat outside in the cold with no food and no shelter, it hit me hard,” she shared. Recognizing the challenges faced by community cats, she decided to dedicate her Gold Project to creating awareness and encouraging solutions.
According to Olivia, the statistics are alarming: about 80% of kittens born outdoors do not survive past their first year. This sad reality emphasizes the importance of Olivia’s work. By educating the community on TNR, a humane approach to controlling the community cat population, she aims to prevent unnecessary suffering and improve the lives of both cats and people.
Olivia’s partnership with the Stray Cat Project, founded by Mariann Matarese, has been instrumental in advancing her goals. The organization provides local resources, including TNR services and fostering support. “When my family worked with the Stray Cat Project to TNR a feral cat in our area, I realized how impactful their work was and knew I wanted to collaborate with them,” Olivia explained.
She described how the benefits of TNR are far-reaching. Neutered cats are less likely to exhibit problematic behaviors such as aggression or territorial fighting, reducing disruptions in neighborhoods. Additionally, spaying and neutering house cats, especially those that occasionally venture outdoors, helps prevent unwanted litters and protects them from potential harm.
Olivia advised against trapping feral cats yourself, and instead suggested contacting an organization like the Stray Cat Project, that has the resources to trap them. She also stressed the importance of returning feral cats to the location where they were trapped so they are more likely to survive in this familiar environment.
For kittens born to feral mothers, fostering is a critical step toward adoption. “Both of my cats were foster kittens from feral cats,” Olivia shared. Foster homes provide a nurturing environment, helping kittens become socialized and ready for permanent homes. Olivia described the life-saving potential of fostering: “Even if you don’t want a long-term pet, fostering gives kittens a chance to grow up healthy and loved.”
Olivia’s project focuses on raising awareness. At last year’s Yardley Harvest Day, she manned an information booth, along with Mariann Matarese, that featured brochures she had created. These materials educated the public on TNR, fostering, and the importance of spaying and neutering both community and house cats. Her attendance at Harvest Day enabled her to connect with community members, answer questions, and inspire action.
To further promote fostering, Olivia is creating videos featuring foster parents with their cats describing their experiences. These videos will be shared on Stray Cat Project’s social media platforms to encourage more people to get involved.
Olivia admitted how balancing her project with the demands of senior year, with college applications, schoolwork, and extracurricular activities, has been challenging. However, Olivia’s passion keeps her motivated. Her end goal is to complete her Gold Project by early this year, leaving behind lasting resources, such as brochures and online content, to ensure that the community continues to benefit from her efforts.
Training her team of fosters to expand their knowledge and advocate for TNR and spay and neuter and working closely with the Stray Cat Project have also been vital components of her journey. By teaching others, Olivia ensures that her project’s impact extends beyond her immediate involvement.
Olivia’s work is a reminder that everyone can contribute to solving the issue of community cat overpopulation. From fostering kittens to volunteering with local organizations, small actions can make a big difference. She hopes that her project inspires others to take proactive steps, such as calling the Stray Cat Project for TNR services or providing temporary care for kittens.
“It’s disheartening that so many kittens born outdoors don’t make it past their first year,” Olivia said. “But by spaying, neutering, and fostering, we can minimize this issue and give these animals a chance at a better life.”
As Olivia prepares for college with aspirations to study law, she reflects on the impact of her Gold Project. Her dedication to community cats demonstrates how one person’s compassion and commitment can create meaningful change. Through her efforts, she has not only improved the lives of countless cats but also empowered her community to take action.
