Outdoor cats have existed with humans for more than 10,000 years, and while they can peacefully coexist, some cats don’t want to be cuddled or otherwise interact with people in the same way a pet cat might.
Feral cats and domesticated cats are the same species, but can act quite differently. Feral cats—also called alley cats, stray cats, neighborhood cats or community cats—like to live near people because they provide access to food and shelter, but they often do not make suitable, adoptable companions.
Once in an animal shelter, feral cats can cause overcrowding issues as they are difficult to adopt, and are often euthanized. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs provide a better life for all cats and humans involved by allowing feral cats to live their full lives without producing more litters of kittens.
National Feral Cat Day, observed on October 16, is a day to raise awareness about the plight of feral cats and educate the public about TNR, or Trap, Neuter and Return, as a humane way to handle overrun feral cat populations.
How TNR Works
- Trap: the feral cat (usually a kitten) is trapped in a live trap, carrier or other safe container.
- Neuter: the cat is taken to an organization that provides low- or no-cost spay and neuter services for feral cats. The veterinarian will also often perform a basic wellness check, administer a rabies vaccine, and tip/clip their left ear, which allows other people to see that the feral cat has already been cared for.
- Return: after the feral cat has recovered for a few days, they are returned to the same spot where they were trapped.
What is the Vacuum Effect?
If a feral cat is not returned to its original location, other cats can take its place. This is because feral cats seek out food sources. So, to return neutered cats to a site will eventually dwindle the population instead of inviting new ones to join. This "vacuum effect" is essential to trying to solve the problem, instead of dumping cats or simply moving them to another location.
Feral Kitty Trappers TNR, based in South Lyon, is one such organization that helps feral cats. They are completely funded through donations and run by volunteers. Like many animal welfare organizations, they have more work to do than time, money and volunteers to do it! So, how can you help?
- Volunteer: if you are over 18, you could be eligible to trap or foster cats. If you have other skills like grant writing or photography, you could be especially useful to the Feral Kitty Trapper’s movement.
- Adopt a kitten: sometimes feral cats are trapped while pregnant. In a foster home, their kittens can be introduced to humans for socialization and eventual adoption.
- Donate: from kitten food to laundry detergent to checks, your donations can help feral cats.
- Spread the word: use social media for good by spreading information about feral cat care and TNR efforts. You can also follow and share posts from Feral Kitty Trappers on Facebook.
You can find more information about caring for feral cats at the following websites:
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