Spay / Neuter

TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN

The most effective & humane way of reducing the number of feral/stray cats in a given area is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). According to a recent national Harris poll," 81% of the US public, supports TNR. There is consensus that removing cats does not reduce their numbers in the long run. If a stray cat colony is removed from an area, another colony of feral cats will soon occupy that same territory.

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As long as there is a dumpster, and other un-neutered cats in the vicinity, there will be cats. While some people might say that the answer is not to feed stray cats, the truth is that will not greatly reduce the number of stray, barn and feral cats.  It will, however, make the lives of these community cats more harsh due to hunger and increased susceptibility to disease. And that is inhumane.

Since 2008 Safe Haven has been doing spay/neuter clinics for community cats.  Trap Neuter Return is the nationally accepted approach to stabilzing the population of community cats.

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If you want more information on the concept of TNR, please visit Alley Cat Allies.  If you would like to have Safe Haven do TNR in your neighborhood or town, please contact us.

Do's & Don'ts of Feral Cats

Please note Safe Haven can help you with all of the DOs. Contact us for more information.

Do:

  • Get advice, support, and equipment for trap / neuter / return through the feral cat grassroots network in your area. Ask your veterinarian for contacts.
  • Line up a vet or spay / neuter clinic to perform free or reduced rate spay / neuter surgeries.
  • Trap the cats yourself. It's easier than you think!
  • Return the cats and provide simple, long-term care.


Don't:

  • Bring feral cats to a shelter. Almost all feral cats are killed in shelters because they are considered unadoptable.
  • Contact animal control to trap the feral cats and kittens. They will be killed because they are considered unadoptable.
  • Borrow a trap from a shelter or animal control. You may have to bring the cats in, and they will be killed because they are considered unadoptable.

*Source: Best Friend's Magazine, May / June 2008

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