a Trap / Neuter / Return Refresher
Since 2003, A-PAL Humane Society has been underwriting the cost of spay and neuter surgeries for cats as a key part of reducing feral cat populations in the county. In 2013, after discovering that 25% of these “ferals” were actually tame, abandoned pets, A-PAL initiated the Community Cats program, which enabled it to remove ferals from the animal shelter, spay or neuter them, and return them to their colonies. This is “TNR” (Trap/Neuter/Return). TNR eliminates the need for the routine 72-hour hold and subsequent euthanasia of feral cats previously required at the shelter. Here is how it works.
WHAT IS TRAP/NEUTER/RETURN (TNR)?
TNR is a clearly defined process in which a feral cat is humanely trapped, spayed or neutered at a participating veterinary facility, and returned to the location where it was captured. In Amador County, suitable traps can be borrowed from the Amador County Animal Control and Adoption Center for a refundable deposit of $75. They are also available from the Feed Barn, for the same refundable deposit plus a $3-a-day rental. Detailed instructions for the use of these traps are available at http://www.feralcat.com/trapinst.html. Contact one of the participating veterinarians listed HERE and let them know you are trapping cats. The spay/neuter procedure will be performed free of charge. Some vets will ask that you pay for the cost of a rabies vaccination ($15-$18).
ARE FERAL CATS A PROBLEM?
Feral cats are often singled out as a nuisance and a threat to domestic cats or other pets outside the house. This can certainly be the case, as ferals tend to be more aggressive due to their lack of socialization and elevated 'wild' hormone levels. However, this assertion is not documented with verifiable data. One issue that is reasonably well documented is the threat feral cats pose to wildlife. Data indicates that feral cats are responsible for the death of billions of birds and small mammals worldwide - even threatening endangered species in a few locales. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that there are 70 million feral cats, and that they are responsible for the extinction of as many as 33 different species.
WHY TNR?
There is little evidence to support “Catch and Kill” as a successful method of controlling population. TNR is a humane method to reduce the growth of feral cat populations by eliminating the ability of treated animals to reproduce. It encourages community participation by removing the threat of death from the process. People who have been feeding feral cats need not worry that “their” cats might be euthanized should they elect to participate in the program.TNR works for a broad range of reasons. Neutered cats show far less aggressive behavior, reducing their impact on both wildlife and domestic pets. They also exhibit reduced territorial marking behaviors, while retaining the hunting instincts that can help with unwanted rodent populations. There are no 'quick fixes'; but it has been shown that, over time, a good TNR program does indeed control the population in feral cat colonies without having to euthanize innocent animals.
WHAT IS TRAP/NEUTER/RETURN (TNR)?
TNR is a clearly defined process in which a feral cat is humanely trapped, spayed or neutered at a participating veterinary facility, and returned to the location where it was captured. In Amador County, suitable traps can be borrowed from the Amador County Animal Control and Adoption Center for a refundable deposit of $75. They are also available from the Feed Barn, for the same refundable deposit plus a $3-a-day rental. Detailed instructions for the use of these traps are available at http://www.feralcat.com/trapinst.html. Contact one of the participating veterinarians listed HERE and let them know you are trapping cats. The spay/neuter procedure will be performed free of charge. Some vets will ask that you pay for the cost of a rabies vaccination ($15-$18).
ARE FERAL CATS A PROBLEM?
Feral cats are often singled out as a nuisance and a threat to domestic cats or other pets outside the house. This can certainly be the case, as ferals tend to be more aggressive due to their lack of socialization and elevated 'wild' hormone levels. However, this assertion is not documented with verifiable data. One issue that is reasonably well documented is the threat feral cats pose to wildlife. Data indicates that feral cats are responsible for the death of billions of birds and small mammals worldwide - even threatening endangered species in a few locales. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that there are 70 million feral cats, and that they are responsible for the extinction of as many as 33 different species.
WHY TNR?
There is little evidence to support “Catch and Kill” as a successful method of controlling population. TNR is a humane method to reduce the growth of feral cat populations by eliminating the ability of treated animals to reproduce. It encourages community participation by removing the threat of death from the process. People who have been feeding feral cats need not worry that “their” cats might be euthanized should they elect to participate in the program.TNR works for a broad range of reasons. Neutered cats show far less aggressive behavior, reducing their impact on both wildlife and domestic pets. They also exhibit reduced territorial marking behaviors, while retaining the hunting instincts that can help with unwanted rodent populations. There are no 'quick fixes'; but it has been shown that, over time, a good TNR program does indeed control the population in feral cat colonies without having to euthanize innocent animals.
