Feral Cats

 Return to the Main Directory

• Feral Cat Experts
• Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
• Feral Cat Care
• Community Issues with Feral Cats

FERAL CAT EXPERTS  

Two organizations in the national spot-light that champion the cause of feral cats are Alley Cat Allies and Neighborhood Cats. Links to their web sites appear below. These web sites offer a vast and comprehensive resource for all things about feral cats.

www.alleycat.org  Alley Cat Allies is a Washington, DC, based nonprofit organization whose mission is "To end the killing of cats and lead the movement for their humane care."  Through outreach, education, and community effort, this group brings the plight of the homeless cat to the foreground in the animal welfare movement.

www.neighborhoodcats.org  Neighborhood Cats is a New York City based nonprofit organization that is self-proclaimed as "feral cat experts." The Neighborhood Cat' website provides a huge number of downloadable resources for the feral cat supporter in his or her own neighborhood, with tips and information for creating a Trap-Neuter-Release program and so much more.

Back to Top

TRAP-NEUTER-RELEASE (TNR)

The following topics on TNR were compiled by Nathan Winograd, author of "Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America," Director of No Kill Solutions, and former Executive Director of Tompkins County SPCA.

"Trap, Neuter, Return" (.pdf)  This article explains the basics for the Trap-Neuter-Release method for humane population control of feral cats.

"Is TNR Abandonment" (.pdf)  This article refutes the idea that releasing feral cats back to their outdoor environment is abandonment. To the contrary, homeless cats have already been abandonned by someone else. TNR offers them the vital care they need.

"TNR: Reduce Your Euthanasia Rate" (.pdf)  This article from Alley Cat Allies offers a huge resource for reducing the euthanasia rate in your territory through an effective TNR program.

"TNR :  Working with Feral Cats" (.pdf)  This article from Neighborhood Cats makes the case for TNR, while offering insight into developing such a program in your neighborhood.

"Nuts and Bolts of Implementing a Community-wide TNR Program" (.pdf)  This article from a collaboration between Neighborhood Cats and the Animal Welfare Federation of New Jersey outlines the steps you need.

"Should We Release Cats with FIV?" (.pdf)  This article by Nathan Winograd for the Feral Cat Activist (a publication of Alley Cat Allies) presents a cogent argument for releasing cats who test positive—and are otherwise outwardly healthy—for FIV or any other disease.

"Humane Trapping" (.pdf)  This concise article discusses specifics about humane traps and trapping, including how to trap kittens.

Back to Top

FERAL CAT CARE

The following topics on feral cat care were compiled by Nathan Winograd, author of "Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America," Director of No Kill Solutions, and former Executive Director of Tompkins County SPCA.

"Care and Feeding of Feral Cats" (.pdf)  This article offers an informative guide for managing a single colony of feral cats, including determining if they are being fed already, beginning to feed, spay/neutering, and more.

"Feral Cat Medical Issues" (.pdf)  This article is intended to provide a basic overview of feral cat medical issues, but is not intended to be used to diagnose an animal.

"Post-surgery Recovery Care" (.pdf)  This article provides guidance for the feral cat who has just been surgically altered until time to release.

"Caring for Feral Cats in (Cold) Winter Months" (.pdf)  This article covers steps you can take in cold winter months to make feral cats more comfortable.

"Socializing Feral Kittens" (.pdf)  This article gives the basics on bringing feral kittens around to becoming socialized for placement in homes.

"Kitten Care: If You Find Kittens Outside" (.pdf)  This article gives helpful guidance on raising kittens found outside from birth.
 

Back to Top

COMMUNITY ISSUES WITH FERAL CATS

The following topics on feral cat care were compiled by Nathan Winograd, author of "Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America," Director of No Kill Solutions, and former Executive Director of Tompkins County SPCA.

"How to Keep Cats Out of Your Yard" (.pdf)  This article gives humane tips and tricks for diverting homeless cats from your yard.

"Do Feral Cats Have a Right To Live?" (.pdf)  This article analyzes assumptions we make about the right to live for shelter animals from the perspective of the feral cat.

"Feral Cats on the Firing Line" (.pdf)  This article gives the compelling argument for a "not guilty" verdict for the contention that feral cats are responsible for the decline in native species of wildlife.

"Understanding Cats and Predation" (.pdf)  This article lends further voice to the argument that feral cats are not wiping out the song bird population. (If they were capable of wiping out entire groups of wildlife, why are there still mice in the world?)

"Neighbor Conflicts" (.pdf)  This article covers the most common human complaints about feral cats and ideas for addressing their concerns.

"Feral Cats and Public Safety" (.pdf)  This article answers fundamental questions about feral cats, such as "do feral cats live miserable lives?" "are they a public safety risk?" "do they threaten birds?" and more.

"Feral Cat Relocation" (.pdf)  This article offers basic guidance on what to do if a feral colony's location poses serious threats to the lives of the cats.
 

Back to Top