The Cats are out there - Everywhere
What is a feral cat? It is a cat that lives near humans but is not
trustful of people. It may be a first or second generation “wild” cat.
The very last thing on its agenda is sitting in you lap and becoming
an indoor pet. Feral cats are very good at surviving on their own
by scavenging food or attracting the help of cat-loving caretakers behind
shopping
centers,
fast food restaurants, manufacturing plants, or in the woods on the
edges of housing developments or apartment complexes. Alley Cat Allies
(ACA)
a national organization dedicated to assisting feral cats estimates
there are TENS of MILLIONS in the US.
As part of our no-kill philosophy SAFE Haven has been assisting feral cats in our community for over ten years believing that all life should be valued and treated with respect. Part of this commitment to feral cats was put into action in July 2001 with the opening of our own in-house low cost spay and neuter clinic. In the past two years, 2,840 cats and kittens have passed through our clinic, many of them feral cats.
What is TNR?
TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) is a method of non-lethal feral cat control
that is being embraced by governments, animal control agencies
and of course, no-kill shelters all over the country. TNR is
a program that offers a solution
to feral cat overpopulation without killing healthy cats. The
most important service we as caretakers can provide is sterilization.
Here’s how
it works at SAFE Haven. Feral cats are trapped using humane
traps which we demonstrate and loan at no charge. Cats arrive
at SAFE Haven and receive
complete medical care including vaccines (distemper & Rabies),
testing for Feline Leukemia and FIV, treatment for fleas, worms
and ear mites and
most importantly, spaying or neutering. The cats are returned
to their caretakers that day and after a two-day minimum indoor recovery
period are released
in their familiar environment where the caretakers continue
to feed and monitor them.
What does it cost?
Because a full quarter of our annual budget goes into operating
the Spay/Neuter Clinic, we are able to provide these services
for $65 per cat
or less. In addition we are able to take tame cats and kittens
from feral colonies and place them in our adoption program
as space becomes available.
To learn more about feral cat management: visit Alley Cat
Allies at www.alleycat.org or contact
us.
