Feral cats

What are feral cats?

Feral cats are the "wild" offspring of domestic cats and are primarily the result of pet owners' abandonment or failure to spay and neuter their animals, allowing them to breed uncontrolled. Feral cat "colonies" can be found behind shopping areas or businesses, in alleys, parks, abandoned buildings, and rural areas. They are elusive and do not trust humans.

Many people assume their animals will survive when they move away and leave them behind. Contrary to popular belief, domestic animals do not automatically return to their "natural" instincts and cannot fend for themselves! Already, U.S. animal shelters are forced to kill an estimated 15 million homeless cats and dogs annually. The alternative to humane euthanasia for almost every stray is a violent end or slow, painful death. Many "throwaways" die mercilessly outdoors from starvation, disease, abuse — or as food for a predator.

trap neuter & return

Trap, Neuter, Release or TNR, is a method of managing feral cat colonies humanely and effectively. Feral cats are trapped in humane cages using food as bait then they are sterilized by spay or neuter and released where they were originally trapped.

Keeping feral cats out of your yard

One of the most common sources of hostility towards feral cats are people who don’t want them in their yards, gardens or other parts of their property. Trying to convince them the cats have every right to dig up their plants is probably not going to do much more than start a long-running argument.

Alternatives to TNR and why they don't work

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