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Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release
Feral Cats One Solution

A word from our Harley's Angels Founder Deb Marchionda
and Chief Operating Officer Kristin MacDonald 

"Feral cats (sometimes referred to as strays) are the sad result of irresponsible adults who have not spayed or neutered their domestic cats. They have been allowed to roam freely or are abandoned in neighborhoods, resulting in unwanted kittens and homeless adults. Succeeding generations are born in our communities, under the most horrendous conditions. With little opportunity to bond with humans, they struggle for survival, reproducing at random. Contrary to popular belief, cats do not fend well for themselves. Many will gravitate to humans for relief from starvation and some will become household pets.

Random surveys in our cities, by recognized organizations, have concluded that in any given area, on average 4-50 feral cats live in close proximity. This is throughout our neighborhoods, woods, public and industrial areas. Statistics over the past years have revealed that no one has successfully removed all feral cats in any one area, in an attempt at eradication. Instead is simply created a vacuum effect and new cats moved in to enjoy the now vacant resources. Programs to force people not to feed Feral cats have also failed.

Feral cats and kittens form colonies (families) near humans and raid garbage cans, eat discarded food, beg for food or prey on rodents. They are present everywhere throughout our cities and many industrial sites keep them for rodent control without population control.

There is only one proven, successful way to reduce the population and dramatically reduce births, and that is the method of humane non-lethal, trap, neuter, vaccinate and release, with managed long-term care by a caretaker.

 

In an attempt to "get rid of the cats", trapping and killing has historically been the first line of defense. Luckily with the influence of well known TNVR advocates that is starting to change. We are proud to be a part of that change and welcome you to be as well. 

Since we know it is not possible to remove all cats from any territory, those remaining and the new cats entering the territory, who have not been spayed or neutered will continue to reproduce. In a short period of time with no humane population control in place, the area will quickly be repopulated  in numbers even larger than the number of cats that were removed. This unsuccessful, uneducated approach has resulted in the endless and needless suffering we are working against in our communities. A no-win situation occurs when feral cats living in well managed colonies, that have been spayed and neutered, are trapped and destroyed. Cats have been here for centuries and will continue to be here. It is up to us to address their plight with responsible compassion. As our Motto states BECAUSE THEY MATTER, Because their lives matter. "

TNR Guides

How to help Feral Cats  A Step-By-Step Guide

How to Create a Grassroots Community

Program to Help Feral Cats

cat entering a humane trap
Trapping Supplies

Recommended Supplies to have on hand at all times:

  • At least 2 traps:  36” X 11” X 12” with rear door

  • At least 1 smaller trap on hand for kittens

  • 2 Trap Dividers

  • Covers (blankets/sheets) for traps

  • Puppy pee pads for traps

  • Thick leather gloves

  • Paper towels

  • Baby wipes

  • Small paper plates

  • Plastic spoons or forks

  • Plastic shopping bags to use for garbage

  • Canned fish cat food/tuna/rotissere chicken/canned sardines for bait

  • Cat nip (optional)

  • Zip ties (in case of problems with a trap)

  • Scissors/knife (to remove zip ties if necessary)

  • A tarp/disposable shower curtain to line your car prior to placing the cats on them

  • Phone charger to stay safe

  • Something to do while you wait 

  • Drinks and snacks 

Tutorials
What is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) ?
Make a Winter Shelter
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