Free Feral Cat Spay Day is part of ACR’s ongoing efforts to promote trap-neuter-return (TNR), the humane management of feral cat colonies or community cats. Under TNR, cats are caught in humane traps, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, ear tipped and returned to the site. Friendly kittens and cats who can be socialized are placed into adoption programs to find homes, while those who are truly “feral” are returned to their outdoor homes.
Louise Holton, ACR’s president, pointed out in the organization’s announcement that many people naively think a cat can fend for itself, so they put it on the streets or drop it off in the country.
“Many cats cannot fend for themselves and will die, but others will go on to form or join feral cat colonies and breed unwanted feral kittens,” Holton said. “TNR stops the breeding cycle more efficiently than catch-and-kill. In catch-and-kill, other strays will enter the vacated territory and start breeding all over again.”
ACR says that cat rescue organizations cannot tackle this problem alone and needs the support of the veterinary community. By establishing long-term relationships between vets and rescuers, ACR believes we can help each town’s stray cat population.
ACR also wants to make it clear, Free Feral Cat Spay Day is not only meant to help reduce feral cat numbers and assist colony caretakers, but to also help the veterinary community showcase its compassion for animals and bring them new clients in the future.
You can get more information on Free Feral Cat Spay Day including how you can get involved here or email Denise Hilton at dhilton@saveacat.org.
Barb Kohn is a communications consultant. She has a passion for the welfare of animals and has volunteered with many San Francisco Bay Area rescue and shelter organizations, including Homeless Cat Network, Peninsula Fix Our Ferals, Pets in Need and Furry Friends Rescue. She also is the National Cats Examiner for the Examiner.com.
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