Post Fifteen

I've mentioned TNR briefly throughout most my posts here thus far. Let me clarify: TNR stands for "Trap, Neuter, Return." Alley Cat Allies works very hard to make it so that this non-lethal way to control feral cat populations is observed. Trapping is done via humane traps which can be rented from pretty much any local humane society, SPCA or rescue group. Then comes neutering/spaying. Some people find a veterinarian who cuts them great deals or who works with feral cat organizations to reduce the cost of the spay/neuter significantly. There are also many "free spay/neuter" clinics as well as humane societies who do spays and neuters for cheap (think $15-30, most cases). Then comes the returning process. This is when these cats are returned to their colonies and chosen homes.

A lot of volunteers devote their lives to monitoring colonies of feral cats and keep records of who has been neutered, who has been spayed, who suffers from some medical condition, etc. Most humane societies or vets offer to "ear tip" the cats who have been neutered/spayed to set them apart. "Ear tipping" is the removal of the tiniest-tiniest tip of the ear, where they cannot feel a thing, to set that cat apart from another cat who has not yet been altered.

It sounds like a lot of hard work, and it is. But it really is worth it when you watch a feral colony who has been together since birth experience their adult-life together. Whenever you see a happy and content cat scamper off into the woods it's chosen as a home, it's great.

There are a lot of people who recommend feral cat relocation to cats who have chosen a residential area as their home. I am an expert about receiving eviction warnings for feeding feral cats. But, I firmly believe that being a good neighbor means caring for your neighbors: so, feed some feral cats, lend them a helping hand. Be a good neighbor!

Alley Cat Allies provides a ton of resources. If you know someone getting angry about feral cat feedings or care, your local representative or volunteer will know where to relocate or who to call. Make them your number one resource for feral cat information. They can provide you with a list of volunteers, nationwide.

Just remember: TNR WORKS!