Feral Cats

Feral Cats exist in every community. These cats are the same species as domestic cats, but are not socialized to humans and can’t be adopted into homes. Instead, they live healthy and content lives in family groups called colonies. The best and most humane way to help a feral cat is through a program called Trap-Neuter-Return, which ends the breeding cycle and helps cats and people coexist peacefully.

Animal Control’s traditional method, catch and kill, is cruel, endless and costly. Over 70% of cats who enter animal shelters are killed. And nearly all feral cats brought to shelters are killed, because while feral cats are the same species as companion cats and are healthy they are not socialized to humans and cannot be adopted into homes. Our tax dollars and donations would be better spent on Trap-Neuter-Return for outdoors cats and low-cost spay and neuter for all cats.

Trap - Neuter - Return: It Works!

How and When to Care for and Socialize Feral Kittens

How To Conduct
Trap-Neuter-Return

How To Provide Care for Outdoor Cats

Want to do something? Start a TNR program in your neighborhood. You can make a difference and save lives.

“Catch and kill” doesn’t work.

It is an endless, cruel cycle and is extremely costly to taxpayers. Cats choose to reside in locations for a reason: there is a food source (intended or not) and shelter. When cats are removed from a location, survivors breed to capacity or new cats move in. This “vacuum effect” is well documented.

Trap-Neuter-Return does work.

No more kittens. Their numbers gradually go down and their lives are improved. The behaviors and stresses associated with mating, such as yowling or fighting, stop. The cats are also vaccinated. This program creates a safety net for both the cats and the community. Learn more about conducting Trap-Neuter-Return.

Feral kittens can be adopted.

Feral kittens can often be adopted into homes, but they must be socialized at an early age. This is a critical window, and if they aren’t handled in time, they will remain feral and therefore unadoptable. Learn more about kittens and socialization.

Humans are the cause of wildlife depletion - not feral cats.

Studies show that the overwhelming cause of wildlife depletion is destruction of natural habitat due to man-made structures, chemical pollution, pesticides, and drought — not feral cats. Learn more about the human toll on birds.