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Hardin County Community Cats
About Hardin County Community Cats
Vicki Cochran, Mari Nall & Alicia Hicks
In March 2021 a “town meeting” was held in Radcliff regarding the growing problems of the stray cat population in the county. It was obvious a comprehensive TNR program is needed. It is a complicated issue and there is no immediate fix. It is a long term solution and requires community support.
In the spring of 2022, a couple of bottle feed kittens started pulling the team together under the umbrella of Forever Homes for Paws and its founder Toshie Murrell. In June of 2022, Hardin County Community Cats was founded as the cat side of FHFP. Our mission was to work toward TNR, and to help with orphaned kittens and cat families, with the goal of returning the mama to their territory and finding good homes for the kittens.
Founding directors Mari Nall and Vicki Cochran have helped mould the organization to what exist today. We were able, through absolute devine help to open a low cost spay/neuter clinic in August 2023, where hundreds of cats have been altered to stop the cycle.
In the summer of 2024, it became obvious that HCCC had expanded enough to stand on its own as our own 501c3 non profit organization. In 2024 over 300 cats and kittens were adopted through the organization and approximately 800 cats were altered. A TNR event was held in Rineyville to alter 34 cats at one time and stabilize that colony.
Sadly, one of our founders was lost suddenly in January, but others have stepped up and our mission continues. Another TNR event was held in April thanks to our Mari Nall Spay/Neuter Fund. We would like to hold an event on a regular basis. Our clinic will be expanding soon. And our fostering continues. We get compliments on how socialized our kittens and mama cats are as they are raised in our homes with lots of love, kids, dogs and other cats!
There continues to be a huge problem in our county. Education is a key component as it is everyone’s problem, not just a few volunteers. There is always a need for money, supplies and time.
But with us, rescuing the orphans, TNR, and low cost spay/neuter is a passion!
Giving Kittens a second chance..
This is Turtle
Turtle was born with Pectus Excavatum (a sunken in chest cavity) Barrel Chest and Stomatitis. He was brought to HCCC because of his deep medical needs that required experienced and caring individuals.
Turtle is unadoptable because of his extensive ongoing medical needs and there is no certain time frame that he is expected to live. He is a little over a year old and gained his name by being stuck on his back and not being able to flip over (due to his chest deformity)
Mari Nall proclaimed "Turtle" the official Hardin County Community Cats ambassador. He is the best big brother, foster, welcoming committee to all new incoming kittens whether they want to be welcomed or not and currently resides with Alicia as a permanent foster.​
This is Monterey (Monty)
Monty has never let his rocky start in life dim his spirit. He came into rescue with his mama and a litter of eight tiny siblings—an adorable flurry of fur and purrs. But joy quickly turned to worry when all the kittens developed severe eye infections shortly after opening their eyes. Monty’s case was the most heartbreaking. One of his eyes swelled so badly it couldn’t be opened, and despite every effort, the infection caused irreversible damage. Eventually, Monty underwent an enucleation surgery, losing that eye—but never losing his gentle soul.
In addition to his eye struggles, Monty also battles feline herpes virus. It flares without warning, leaving him with a constant runny nose and powerful sneezes that he’s never shy about sharing with the room. The virus left damage in his sinus, so he’s perpetually a little snotty—but still 100% charming. Monty has taken it all in stride, embracing life with warmth and kindness. He’s become the official welcome committee, greeting every new cat, kitten, or human with his signature slow blink and fluffy rub. He doesn’t have a single mean bone in his body, and his calm presence is a comfort to those around him.
Monty is especially close to his best friend, Turtle—his “brother from another mother.” The two are rarely apart, always curled up together or co-parenting the latest batch of foster kittens. Whether they’re grooming the babies or just lounging side-by-side, their bond is undeniable. Despite everything he’s endured, Monty is a beacon of love, resilience, and pure fluff. He reminds us that even the toughest beginnings can lead to a life full of purpose, connection, and joy.
Volunteer Work
