Moab was overrun with community cats before TNR However, TNR must continue as long as people abandon cats. The cat population stabilizes and declines over time. They are returned to their colony site where they are provided continuing care by volunteers. Communities with TNR programs humanely trap cats and take them to a veterinarian where they are sterilized, vaccinated, and have their ear tipped to show they are sterilized. Trap Neuter Return (TNR) is the most effective and lowest cost way to address the community cat issue and is used throughout the U.S. Additionally, cat mating behavior (roaming, yowling, spraying, fighting) and cat overpopulation can be a nuisance. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 100-400 cats can result from one unsterilized female cat. If feral and stray cats are not sterilized, they give birth to feral kittens. Please do not start feeding wild or stray cats unless you are prepared to help trap, neuter and maintain a colony with the help of HSMV. Just feeding feral cats without trapping and neutering ADDS to the problem. A community/feral cat will have a “tipped” ear if it has been neutered. Humane Society traps and neuters these cats to control the population and recruits a volunteer to feed and maintain a watch over the colony. They lead healthy, natural lives on their own, content in their outdoor home. Cats are bonded to their environments and colonies. Outdoor cats live in family groups called colonies. They can bond with their food source but rarely with more than one person and are not considered “adoptable” animals.įeral cats have been living outside in close proximity to humans for over 10,000 years.

They cannot be picked up or handled by people. These cats are considered wild animals and react as such. They are wary of people, unadoptable, and live outdoors on their own.Ī “ Feral” cat is a cat that was born and grew up without handling by humans.

When pet cats are forced to fend for themselves outdoors, they often turn feral (wild). They got to where they are because they were abandoned or strayed away from home and got lost. Cats – even beloved pets who sleep in their owners beds, will come to additional food sources.Ī 'Community' cat is also called a feral cat, stray cat, or alley cat. Please DO NOT feed stray animals and DO NOT feed your animals outside. If you feed outdoor cats you will attract stray animals (and wildlife). A “Stray” cat is a cat who is healthy and friendly and strayed away from their home.

Free download feeding stray cats