Feral/Community Cat Information

The Problem

Nearly three quarters of the cats that enter our nation’s animal shelters are killed. Most are free-roaming community feral cats. These are cats that have been abandoned, lost or forced to fend for themselves, with each generation becoming more fearful of humans. Though most community cats will never know the gentle touch of a human or experience the comfort of curling up on a warm lap, anyone who has observed a colony of feral cats or backyard strays will agree that they are equally deserving of our compassion - and our help  - as the domestic cats that share our lives. 

The Solution

TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) is a comprehensive program where entire colonies or individual cats are humanely trapped, vaccinated and spayed or neutered. Kittens that are young enough to be socialized are placed in foster care and are eventually put up for adoption. Unsocial adult cats are returned to their familiar habitat to live out their lives. TNR works. Cat populations are gradually reduced. Nuisance behaviors associated with breeding are virtually eliminated. Disease and malnutrition are greatly reduced. The cats live healthy, safe and peaceful lives in their territories. AFRP believes TNR is the preferred method of feral community cat population control as opposed to trap and kill. TNR saves lives and prevents cats from entering the overburdened shelter system.