Community cats (also known as feral or outdoor cats) have been spotted in the neighborhood this past year. Here are some steps to effectively and humanely manage community cat populations if they turn up on your property:
Local community cat spotted in the neighborhood recently with three kittens.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
TNR is a widely recommended approach to managing community cat populations. This involves trapping the cats, having them spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and then returning them to their original location. TNR has been shown to be an effective and humane method for stabilizing and reducing community cat populations.
Feeding and Care
When feeding community cats, it’s important to remove any uneaten food within 30 minutes to prevent attracting insects and wildlife. Providing fresh water, keeping feeding areas clean, and creating litter areas are also essential.
Shelters and Healthcare
Community cats need safe shelters, especially during extreme weather. It’s important to provide warm, dry places for them to stay that are away from populated areas. Additionally, having a plan in place to provide immediate care for any ill or injured cats that are trapped is crucial.
Community Relations
Listening to neighbors’ concerns and addressing them is an important part of managing community cat colonies. By educating neighbors about TNR and the benefits of spaying/neutering, it’s possible to work together to resolve issues and improve the well-being of the cats and the community.
Professional Assistance
In some cases, professional assistance from organizations like Pasadena Humnane can provide guidance, resources, and support for dealing with community cat colonies.
For more information go to the Pasadena Humane page on community cats.