Helping Feral Cats
Perhaps you have heard the word “feral” as it applies to cats. Feral means “wild” and refers to unsocialized cats only. This is because they were born from another feral and were not socialized by or with humans. Strays and abandoned cats forced to survive on their own, may become wary of humans, but can be re-socialized. This not the case for feral cats. Kittens born of stray and abandoned cats will become the feral cats of the future. Feral cats typically cannot be tamed to become pets, but kittens under sixteen weeks of age from a feral mother can be socialized for adoption and make wonderful companions.
TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return)
It is impossible to know how many feral cats exist in America, but in some areas, their populations are quite large and on the rise. While they can serve a necessary purpose, too many feral cats can be a problem, particularly around schools or businesses. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs are effective in controlling the breeding of feral and abandoned cats. Cats are captured in humane traps, transported to local veterinary clinics or shelters where they are spayed or neutered. They also receive vaccinations for rabies and other diseases. Once they have recovered from surgery, they are returned to the area where they were trapped. Many of these programs are not funded by local municipalities, but rather by independent groups that rely on donations and volunteers to keep going.
Trapping a feral cat isn't always easy, but they are food motivated and so, placing food in the trap is usually effective. Once in a trap, the cat can become frightened. Placing a sheet or towel over the trap will quiet the cat. TNR programs notch the ears of the cats to show that they have been spayed or neutered, often referred to as “fixed.” Sometimes, males are notched on the left ear and females on the right, but almost all programs notch the left ear, at least. This helps animal caretakers and animal control workers identify that the cats have already been fixed.
Exceptions To Assisting Feral Cats
There are situations that preclude returning a feral cat to their trapped area. These include:
- Kittens from feral litters should be socialized and placed in good adoptive homes. Sick or injured cats should be treated, if possible. If the illness or injury is serious, euthanasia may be the most human solution.
- Friendly cats that were probably once pets, should be placed in good adoptive homes as they don't always fare as well with their wild counterparts.
-
If a feral cat's habitat is destroyed, relocation will be necessary.
-
People have been known to harm or kill feral cats and therefore, the cats should be relocated to a safer environment. Relocation of feral cats should not be done unless absolutely necessary. Cats may try to find their way back to their former home and often, won't make it.
Another consideration in the rationale for TNR is cost. When a municipal shelter picks up strays and feral cats, it costs approximately $150.00 each to impound, board, and perform euthanasia. For about the same cost, two to three cats can be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and saved. Since feral cats are considered wild and therefore not adoptable, their fate is sealed if picked up by animal control. TNR groups can help save the animal's life and save taxpayers money.
Who Cares For Ferals?
There are many feral cat caretakers that regularly take food and water to known feral cat areas. These caretakers also monitor the health of the feral cats as much as possible. If you know of an area where feral cats reside and you would like to begin caring for them, please look on-line for local cat rescue foundations to get more information. You may also want to check with your local shelters or veterinarians for contact information.
Many thanks to Melissa Crains, President of CARE Feline TNR, Inc. in Orlando, Florida for the information provided for this article. Ms. Crains and the staff and volunteers of CARE work tirelessly to assist and care for these animals. To find out more, please visit www.carefelinerescue.org.