Image via WikipediaFeral cats are cats that have not been socialized to humans. When cats are left to fend for themselves, they reproduce litters of kittens that are only socialized to other cats and are afraid of people.
What is TNR?
Trap: The feral cats are trapped in humane traps using food as bait.
Neuter: The cats are taken to a veterinarian where they are spayed or neutered. While the cat is under anesthesia, their left ear is "tipped" in order to indicate that it has been sterilized and part of a managed colony. The ear tip is a nationally recognized form of identification for feral cats who have been sterilized.
Return: The cats are returned to their outdoor home where their caregiver continues to provide them food and water.
What are the Alternatives?
Do Nothing
Eventually the problem will reach an unmanageable level and cause untold suffering.
Trap & Kill
This approach is not a solution. The problem is everywhere. More cats will simply move in to fill the void and continue the breeding cycle.
Catch & Tame
With the exception of very young kittens, this approach is not realistic. It is extremely rare for an adult feral cat to become socialized to the point where it is able to live in someone's home as their pet. For the small minority that could be tamed, the time and effort that goes into helping just a few cats is prohibitive. Even with kittens, taming can take several weeks of intensive socialization work.
Relocation
There is no other place for them to go and studies show that if you remove cats from their original location, others merely move into their place. This is known as the "vacuum" effect.
ALTERED TAILS FERAL PROGRAM
We alter cats every Monday through Thursday by appointment. Contact Jennifer at
WHY TNR WORKS...
- It is more effective and less expensive than attempts at extermination.
- It eliminate or reduces objectionable behaviors like spraying, yowling, and fighting.
- It humanely stabilizes the free-roaming cat population.
- It is the humane and responsible thing to do!
Visit the attached link to The Foundation for Homeless Cats to read FAQ and find out more information about how to care for feral cats. For more information on the Altered Tails TNR Program, please call Jennifer @
Contact Jennifer to schedule an appointment on one of our upcoming Feral Days!
- Sunday August 22nd
- Sunday September 19th
- Sunday October 17th
- Sunday November 21st
- Sunday December 19th
http://www.alteredtails.org/TNR.html
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