The next meeting of the volunteer group R-CATS (Rome Cat Assistance TNR Society) will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Common Council chambers at City Hall.

The group is leading the effort to control the feral cat population in Rome, focusing on trapping, neutering and returning them to their colonies, microchipped for identification.

R-CATS helps Rome residents feed their outdoor cats, get them spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies.

In return the caregiver agrees to feed and water the cats twice a day and watch for any newcomers. Adoptables or tame cats who might have been pets at one time are introduced to new homes as are any kittens young enough to be socialized.

The program is dependent on donations. No one is turned away for lack of money. The group also operates a small food bank for those on a fixed income.

Call 790-1404 or find the group on Facebook, at www.alleycat.org/page.aspx?pid=998 or www.petfinder.com/shelters/NY1097.html.