Celebrate National Feral Cat Day!

ABOUT TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN (TNR) the PROBLEM... It's estimated that tens of millions of feral and stray cats freely roam the streets of the United States and breed rapidly! Doing nothing and using ineffective approaches are what have resulted in the current overpopulation problem. Trying to rescue all of the feral cats and find them homes is impossible given their numbers and their limited socialization. Removing or relocating all of the feral cats invites new unneutered cats to move in and the cycle of reproduction starts again. the SOLUTION... RETURN Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the only method proven to be humane and effective 3 After recovery from surgery, feral cats are returned to where they were trapped and are supplied with ongoing access to food and fresh water. in controlling free-roaming cat population growth. TNR is about: Population control and permanently reducing the number of cats in an area TRAP Lowering cat intake into shelters, thereby lowering shelter euthanasia rates NEUTER After adequate preparations, including educating the community about the TNR process, colony cats are trapped using humane traps. 2 The captured cats are brought in their traps to a spay/neuter provider. Typically, TNR programs also provide vaccinations against certain diseases, like rabies. Reducing the spread of disease The returned, spayed/ neutered colony guards its territory, discouraging unneutered cats from moving in and beginning the cycle of overpopulation anew EAR TIPPING is the universal sign of a neutered feral cat. The procedure involves removing about 1/4" off the tip of the cat's ear (typically the left ear) while the cat is anesthetized for spaying/neutering; healing is rapid. The mark will help prevent unnecessary surgery, confinement, or euthanasia. What's the difference? STRAY CAT A tame cat who has become lost or has been abandoned; she has been socialized to people at some point in her life. FERAL CAT A cat who has little contact with humans, is fearful of people and usually lives on her own outdoors. PETSMART Charities PetSmartCharities.org e2012 PetSmart Charities, Inc. All rights reserved.