Below is a video about the TNR process being demonstrated by Alley Cat Allies.
The plight of feral cats has captured the hearts of animal lovers for many years, but only recently has a non-lethal option for their care become available. Called a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, this humane alternative involves spaying and neutering feral cats, then returning them to their colonies where they are looked after and fed by caretakers (An estimated 12% of families in the US take on this role). This solution successfully decreases the population, reduces birth rates and improves the overall health of the colony. Performed at a large scale, the success of such programs is felt at animal shelters where fewer cats are admitted for euthanasia.
The TNR Program (Trap-Neuter-Return) that I participate in begins with the trapping of feral cats using humane cage traps. The captured feral cats are taken (in the trap) to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay where they are sterilized by spaying the females and neutering the males. The cats are also given rabies vaccinations, distemper shots, a general exam, and the tip of one ear is clipped so that they can easily be identified as a sterilized feral.
After the cats are sterilized and vaccinated, they are placed back into the traps and are brought back to volunteers homes where they recover from the surgery. After recovery, the cats are released back into their colony to live out their lives without reproducing and adding to the over population of feral cats. These cat colonies are fed daily by the help of volunteers. The kittens and/or other cats that can be socialized with people are placed into foster homes and made available for adoption.
For more information about TNR Programs visit the websites below or if you would like to get involved in the local Plant City/Tampa Bay Area, please contact me at asimp333@yahoo.com
www.tampaferalcatdatabase.org
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