TNR
&
The Colony
WHY RETURN THE CATS?
WHY NOT RELOCATE THEM?
Often times we receive calls regarding “removing” cats. This is usually not feasible as there is nowhere to move the cats. Even if the land is available, there are other considerations. Cats are extremely territorial and are bonded to the land on which they were raised as well as with other cats in the colony.
Evidence of cats traveling hundreds of miles to their original home is well documented. Sadly, many cats trying to get back to their home die in the process from traffic or starvation.
Only as a last resort should the relocation of cats be considered. Should this be the only alternative it is recommended to keep cats in a sheltered enclosure on the new land for a minimum of six weeks before releasing on the property.
THE VACUUM EFFECT: THE UNWANTED CONSEQUENCE OF RELOCATION AND TRAP/KILL
A phenomenon known as the vacuum effect occurs when cats are suddenly removed from an area through trap/kill or relocation. Inevitably, un-sterilized cats that evaded capture or cats drawn to the vacated food source, claim the territory and begin the breeding cycle once more.
If you've discovered one community cat or a colony of community cats that you wish to help, here are the step-by-step instructions on how to end the cycle of overbreeding, provide necessary medical care.
TNR(Trap-Neuter-Return) is the humane solution for unowned community cats versus trapping and taking them to the shelter. Sadly, nearly 100% of feral cats that enter shelters are euthanized due to being unadoptable. TNR provides a brighter future for community cats with long-term proven results.
Whether it's one cat in your backyard or twenty, we are here to help guide you with the best resources and best practices to help your community cats become Lucky Cats.
Step 1) Establish a feeding schedule and a feeding station. It's best to feed in the morning and remove the food prior to nightfall to avoid attracting other animals. If it is in an area where other people are feeding cats too, signage may be needed to coordinate efforts. Provide fresh food and water daily. Keep food and water dishes clean to prevent illnesses. Metal containers are best for sanitation and durability. A feeding station helps keep the food dry and off the ground. Once the cat(s) are coming regularly to the food bowl, you're ready for Step 2.
Step 2) Visit our Programs page and choose the best option for your location and contact us to borrow a trap and set up a veterinarian appointment. Remember, never trap until you have a spay/neuter appointment in place!
Step 3) Once your appointment is secured, humanely trap the cat and transport to the appointment.
Step 4) Cat receives spay or neuter, ear tip rabies vaccination, and other medical services.
Step 5) After recovery, the cat is returned back to the original habitat and provided with continued care, food, water, and shelter.
Step 6) Monitor daily for new cats or health issues.
For more information and resources, please visit our Programs page.
Why Ear-tip?
A very important step in the TNR process is ear-tipping.
Ear-tipping is the universally accepted way to signify a community cat has been spayed or neutered.
Ear-tipping surgically and painlessly removes the tip of the left ear while the cat is under anesthesia for spay or neuter surgery. There is little to no bleeding and the ear heals quickly.
The ear-tip helps caretakers to tell from a distance which cats have already been spayed or neutered, as well as a sign to animal control officers that the cat has benefited from TNRM.
The tipped ear prevents the cat from being unnecessarily trapped again, and helps the caretaker keep track of which cats have or haven’t been spayed or neutered.
