Project Spay

 

 

 

 

About Feral Cats and T-N-R

 

What exactly is a feral cat?

Feral cats are "wild" offspring of domestic cats and result from pet owners abandoning and/or failing to sterilize their pets, allowing them to breed uncontrollably. Feral cats are unsocialized, unowned free-roaming cats. They generally do not allow handling by humans and must be trapped in order to be brought in for veterinary care. They, however, are NOT a wildlife species and can NOT fully fend for themselves. Unattended, they survive, but do not thrive, breed prolifically, and lead meager lives shortened by malnutrition, disease, trauma, and high kitten mortality. Just one pair of breeding cats can produce two or more litters per year, thus producing 420,000 offspring over a seven year period.

 

What can be done to prevent more feral cats?

First and foremost, responsible cat ownership must be promoted, focusing on sterilization, the wearing of identification, preventative health care, and keeping cats safe at home. Secondly, implementing a  Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program is essential to control the existing feral cat population. Cats are humanely trapped by volunteers, brought in to a veterinarian to be spayed/ neutered and vaccinated, and then returned to their “home” (original location) for release. A caretaker provides the colony of cats with daily food, water, and outdoor shelter. The colony is also monitored for any new, unaltered cats that move in to the area and are addressed as needed.

Neutered cats display fewer nuisance behaviors such as spraying and fighting and can not reproduce. Over time, colony size will decrease due to attrition. In addition, TNR has been shown to be more effective than trapping and euthanizing feral cats.

 

How can I determine which cats are spayed/neutered and which ones aren’t?

The tip of the left ear is surgically removed while the cat is under anesthesia. The left ear will appear shorter than the right and either cut straight across or slightly curved.  

 

 

I have feral cats in my neighborhood or know of a location where there are feral cats. How can I get help?

Please send a detailed e-mail to: swanseaferalcats@yahoo.com or call (508) 237-8216 . Include your name, the location of the cats, and a telephone number where you can be reached. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE CURRENTLY ASSIST FERAL CATS LOCATED IN SWANSEA ONLY. If you are seeking immediate assistance with a sick or injured cat, please contact your local Animal Control or Police Department.