Ferals & TNR

What are free-roaming / feral cats?

Feral is defined as "having returned to a wild state from domestication." Feral cats have generally been born in the wild - even if that means just behind a local strip mall - and have had little or no human contact, causing them to develop a natural fear of humans, thereby reverting to a wild state. Not all cats in a colony are feral, some may be strays who are lost or have been recently abandoned by humans.

What is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)?

You've probably seen them gathered around dumpsters and in parking lots - homeless cats who flee from humans. These cats are the result of both the failure of people to spay or neuter their cats and cat abandonment, which despite being illegal in NJ still happens. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is an effective, internationally recognized program by which cats are trapped, vaccinated, spayed or neutered and returned to their original location. A feral cat caregiver, usually a volunteer rescue worker cares for the cats on a regular basis. The resultant group of cats, including any new cats entering the caregiver's sphere, is known as a managed feral cat colony.

Why do some oppose TNR?

Misconceptions regarding feral cats and TNR may cause unnecessary public anxiety. Many believe that ferals carry diseases or are responsible for bird and wildlife decline. Some simply don't want the cats around.

Isn't it true that cats should be kept indoors?

Ideally, yes. Domestic cats are safest indoors. However, because of the overpopulation crisis, there are not nearly enough homes available. The next best thing for feral cats is a managed colony where care is consistently provided.

Can't they just be moved? Or taken to a sanctuary or farm?

There simply aren't enough sanctuaries, barn homes, and the like to house the tens of millions of feral cats estimated to be living in the United States. The only humane and effective way to control the feral cat population and give the cats a chance of healthier lives is through TNR.

Under no circumstances should cats ever be relocated or abandoned in an unfamiliar area. They will not be able to survive by hunting. Furthermore, cats are extremely territorial animals and will try to find their way back home. Most will not survive their desperate attempts to reconnect with their family and the habitat where they were born. Abandoning animals is a cruel and illegal practice.

Do feral cats pose public health risks?

Stanford University's Department of Environmental Heathl and Safety conducted a study which found that feral cats pose virtually no risks to the public safety.

Rabies is not commonly found in feral cat colonies. Overall, the danger of rabies in humans is relatively slight, but the best way to eradicate any risk of rabies from a feral cat is through a TNR program. Feral cats who are TNR'ed are vaccinated against the disease, thus eliminating any concern about feral cats carrying rabies.

There is little reason to worry about feral cats carrying the diseases FIV (feline AIDS) or FeLV (feline leukemia), neither of which can be transmitted to humans. Feral cats and indoor domestic cats have approximately the same rate of infection from these diseases, with the percentage of cats infected with FIV being 2-5% and FeLV 3-7%. Alley Cat Allies, the premier organization for feral cat and TNR advocacy, states that "Despite concern over viruses, there is no feline disease that ends more lives than euthanasia due to overpopulation."

What can you do to help feral cats in your community?

Make sure that all cats in your care are spayed or neutered.
Help educate the residents of your community and your local politicians by becoming a spokesperson for feral cats. The biggest obstacle for most caregivers is fighting with hostile neighbors.
Support TNR efforts. The reduction of feral cat populations requires a community's effort. Get involved. Help end the suffering of these cats and prevent future births. Seek the advice or assistance of an experienced rescuer before attempting to handle or trap a homeless cat.
Ignoring homeless animals is precisely what perpetuates the problem.

Our Program

PASS is currently working with the Town of Boonton in a successful TNR program. We are hoping to expand our efforts into interested perimeter communities in the very near future.

In 2006 we plan to operate at least 3 spay and neuter clinics devoted specifically to ferals and strays, at which time we will assist approximately 60 animals per session. We also plan to increase our efforts to educate the community about the benefits of TNR over a trap and kill method of feline population control. Community support is vital to the success of this plan.

If you would like more information about becoming a caretaker for ferals/strays around your home or work place or details on what you can do to help, please call 973-402-PETS. Leave a message in mailbox 7 and your call will be promptly returned.

BOONTON TNR IS IT WORKING???

As just about all of our volunteers know, in September 2005, the Town of Boonton adopted an official resolution to give trap/neuter/return or TNR, a try as a preferred method of feline population control. Having worked on the effort from the beginning in conjunction with Town Health Administrator, Steve Austin, Town Animal Control Officer, Billy Karpack and other interested volunteers, I am asked several times a week about the project. Area residents and those interested in animal welfare want to know,

Q. Does the Boonton TNR plan appear to be working?

A. ASK OUR RESIDENTS!

Our Town Health Administrator reports that in locations where PASS volunteers have done TNR, there has not been a complaint from residents concerning the TNR'd cats yet this spring. Not a single new kitten has been spotted. In the past, these areas have been a consistent source of problems and calls to the health department about the cats. The traditional method of trap and euthanize had been attempted at many of the locations in the past and obviously failed to solve the problems. Residents have been so pleased with the results; PASS has received over $700.00 in unsolicited donations from residents to thank us and to allow us to expand the program. Since good news travels fast and our resources are limited, we already have a waiting list from residents who wish to give a trap/neuter/return plan a try.

Q. Why do you think it appears to be doing so well?

A. Now that our residents know they can make a call and have a solution to cat issues without sentencing the animals to probable death, they are comfortable making that call and problem areas are addressed more quickly, before the cats and the issues, multiply. Also, a TNR effort takes community support. Everyone from the Mayor, to the Board of Aldermen, to our Health Department, has been provided with information on the TNR plan and given the chance to ask questions and learn about how to ensure it's success. These people can provide TNR information to our residents in an informed and factual way and we know they stand behind making it work! All attempts are made to surrender adoptable strays and kittens to local shelters so they may have a chance at a loving home. In actuality, very few of the cats in the Boonton program are considered easily adoptable so they are re-released. However, when an animal is placed, it's a very happy ending that we make sure we let people know about. Lastly, Education, Education, Education. All caretakers are given information on how to properly manage a colony based on their situation and town regulations. Knowing the guidelines and expectations prevents disappointment later. All Boonton residents continue to have a trap and kill option available to them. However, to date, once they have met with one of our volunteers or town officials and had TNR explained to them as a long term fix, not a short term solution, not a single one has opted for trap and kill. In addition, all residents are provided with information on low cost spay/neuter options for their pets-many have already taken advantage of the PASS low cost mobile clinics in conjunction with Animal Welfare Association.

Q. So, if TNR is so great, why isn't everybody doing it?

A. Everybody shouldn't be doing it. TNR should only be performed by those that have attended safety courses on trapping such as those given by Alley Cat Allies or NJARA. PASS volunteers must also work with an experienced trapper before they would be sent to trap on their own. TNR is also not the cure or solution to everyone's problem. There will always be a case or two where it simply will not work and the animals must be removed. It's vital that individual locations are evaluated prior to attempting a TNR effort. In Boonton, 4 initial TNR locations were selected for evaluation. One industrial, one low income ethnic residential, one moderate income residential and one town home/condo complex of moderate income residents. Although the educational and informational needs of each location varied greatly, the initial result was the same. No complaints and no new kittens to date. However, with all that being said-Yes, Boonton TNR IS working. We look forward to expanding the program and seeing it spread to perimeter towns. Want a TNR program in your town? No time like the present to make that call to your Mayors office, town council or local aldermen to let them know. Community interest brings results! For more information about our program, visit www.pass4pets.org.

-Suzanne Griffin

excerpt from "Pass It Along! "| Summer 2006