What is TNR?

Get Informed: Discover the Truth about Feral Cats

A feral cat is not socialized to humans.

Though feral cats are members of the domestic cat species and are protected under state anti-cruelty laws, they are typically fearful of humans.

Feral cats should not be taken to animal control pounds and shelters.

Feral cats’ needs are not met by the current animal control and shelter system, because animals who are not adoptable are killed. Feral cats live outside, but are killed in shelters. Even no-kill shelters are not able to place feral cats in homes. Learn more about the animal control system.

Feral kittens can be adopted.

Feral kittens can often be adopted into homes, but they must be socialized at an early age. There is a critical window, and if they aren’t handled in time, they will remain feral and therefore unadoptable. Learn more about kittens and socialization.

Feral cats can have the same lifespan as pet cats.

And they are just as healthy, too. The incidence of disease in feral cats is just as low as in pet cats. They live healthy, natural lives on their own, content in their outdoor home.

Humans are the cause of wildlife depletion.

Studies show that the overwhelming cause of wildlife depletion is destruction of natural habitat due to manmade structures, chemical pollution, pesticides, and drought — not feral cats. Learn more about the human toll on birds.

Catch and kill doesn’t work.

Animal control’s endless, cruel cycle is extremely costly to taxpayers. Cats choose to reside in locations for two reasons: there is a food source—(intended or not)—and shelter. When cats are removed from a location, survivors breed to capacity or new cats move in. This vacuum effect is well documented.

Trap-Neuter-Return does work.

No more kittens. The population stabilizes and their lives are improved. The behaviors and stresses associated with mating, such as yowling or fighting, stop. The cats are vaccinated before being returned to their outdoor home. Not only does Trap-Neuter-Return make good sense, it is also a responsible, humane method of care for outdoor cats. Learn more about conducting Trap-Neuter-Return.

You can make a difference and save lives.

Together, we can educate people about feral cats and the fact that they don’t belong in pounds and shelters.

What is a Feral Cat?

Feral cats are non-domesticated (not tame) cats that are born and live outdoors. Unlike domesticated cats, they are too wild to be petted or picked up. They live together in groups called colonies.

Because these cats have not been spayed or neutered, the females continue to produce litters of kittens throughout the reproductive season, and the males continually fight over territory and mates.

Feral cat colonies can be found anywhere, including high-traffic areas within a community.