At 87, Conrad Carter is proving it’s never too late to make a difference — trapping, transporting and helping fix neighborhood cats across Kerrville.
KERRVILLE, Texas — In Kerrville, one 87-year-old is showing that compassion doesn’t slow down with age.
Conrad Carter, retired Algebra teacher, has quietly become a champion for neighborhood cats, turning his retirement years into a mission of care and community service.
It all started when Conrad and his wife visited Kerrville Pets Alive! looking for help with the backyard cats they cared for. Instead of simply offering assistance, the nonprofit invited Conrad to attend a trapping class hosted alongside the San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition.
Armed with new knowledge, and a few borrowed traps, Conrad got to work.
He successfully trapped the cats, allowing Kerrville Pets Alive! to fund their spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations. But Conrad wasn’t finished.
Soon after, the daughter of an 89-year-old Kerrville woman reached out for help. Her mother, Wanda, lovingly fed neighborhood cats but physically couldn’t trap them because she uses a walker.
Within days, Conrad was back at KPA!’s property picking up traps again.
“You sent us Conrad, and he is a Godsend!” Wanda’s daughter shared. With his help, four cats were trapped, fixed and returned — bringing relief and peace of mind.
So far, Conrad has trapped and transported more than eight cats for surgery, with a few more still on his list.
Originally from Morton, Texas, and one of nine children, Conrad spent 34 years teaching algebra. These days, he’s solving a different kind of problem, helping prevent unwanted litters and improving life for both cats and their caretakers.
Kerrville Pets Alive! says it’s a perfect example of community spirit in action.
In 2026 alone, the organization has dedicated nearly $40,000 toward free mobile spay/neuter clinics and affordable appointments for colony caretakers across Kerr County.
As for Conrad? He’s just quietly doing what good neighbors do.
One trap, and one act of kindness at a time. 🐾
Those who would like to support the mission can make a tax-deductible donation online at kerrvillepetsalive.org, give by mail (KPA!
317 Sidney Baker S., Ste. 400, PMB 345 Kerrville, Texas 78028), or contribute through Venmo (@KerrvillePetsAlive).