WHAT IS TNR?

Many communities throughout Canada are embracing Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) programs to improve animal welfare, reduce death rates, and meet obligations to public welfare.

 What are Feral Cats?

 Feral cats are wild cats. They are afraid of humans, so much so they will not eat food until a human is out of sight. They are distrustful. Feral cats often live as a group and each colony is usually comprised of 3 or 4 generations of the same family. Feral cats live in urban and rural areas. Colonies are found anywhere there is a source of food, like in an alley, under a porch, near a dumpster, by railway tracks.

 Who cares?

 Quite frankly, we do. Many feral cats die slow horrible deaths from attacks by predators, starvation, disease, freezing to death, or accidents. Some cats within the Feral Colony were once house pets, turned into strays. Some are declawed and not able to survive the elements of living outside. Feral cats, if not cared for, can spread sickness to pets and animals in the area. Ferals that are cared for do not disturb their neighbourhoods. Wild cats that are cared for do not decrease the population of birds. Ferals that are not apart of a TNR program are known to be pests. Feral cats that are cared for through a TNR program have proven to be a benefit within their ecosystem.

 Can Feral Cats be Domesticated?

 Feral kittens can be domesticated if they are removed from the colony at a young age and socialized properly. Older feral cats rarely can adapt and may always stay reluctant of humans.

 Why not just kill the feral cats?

 Trapping and killing feral cats has been used for decades by municipalities across North America. This method has shown to be ineffective, as the food source remains in the area and any remaining cats (like any animal) in the area will quickly repopulate or other colonies will move in and breed to capacity.

What is TNR?

Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) is a program that allows free roaming cats to live out their lives without adding to the homeless cat population. Cats are humanely trapped, spayed/neutered, given rabies vaccine, micro chipped, ear tipped to identify them as being altered and released back to their familiar environment. Kittens and tame cats are placed with rescue organizations for adoption into homes and are not ear tipped.

 How does Charity Cat (STDOA) help?

 We at Charity Cat (STDOA) believe in Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return. Read what we do here.