The Humane Answer: Trap-Neuter-Return

If you've ever seen cats in an alleyway eating out of dumpsters, or blending into the wild habitat of a wooded area, and wondered about their condition and how you could help them, read on...

Some of them, having been lost or abandoned, have found their way to a colony where they can survive amongst other felines. But the majority live out their lives as feral, or "wild", cats. Being either born in the wild and never having had human contact, or reverting to a wild state after having been abandoned; the great majority of feral cats cannot be tamed. Generally, attempts at taming or adoption of ferals prove to be fruitless. Our efforts can be realized one-hundred-fold if we do the greatest good for the greatest number of ferals by stopping the cycle of reproduction.

Communities can help these forgotten cats by providing them with food, water, shelter, and spaying/neutering services through the "Trap-Neuter-Return" full management program.

Briefly, TNR consists of the humane trapping, sterilization, and return of feral cats to their familiar habitat to be cared for daily by dedicated volunteers. Kittens under eight weeks and/or tame cats are placed into adoption programs.

For more in-depth information on TNR, please visit Alley Cat Allies.