Feral or Stray Cats
PAWS advocates humanely reducing feral cat populations through trap, neuter and return (TNR) programs and for the promotion of “managed colonies” in communities.
This approach includes sterilization of the cats to prevent breeding, removal of sick or injured cats, marking and return of healthy cats to the site, and rescue of kittens and other tame cats to adoptive homes.
This addresses many of the concerns of those who might consider a colony of stray cats a nuisance. A colony in which the TNR method is used to sterilize the cats and one that is under the regular care and observation of a caretaker is referred to as “managed.”
Those who choose to manage feral cat colonies should commit to providing food, water, shelter, and and medical care throughout the year for the life of the colony.
Those who consider cat colonies to be a nuisance have traditionally requested that pounds trap the cats and remove them (typically to be euthanized).
However, if the factors that allowed the colony population to grow in the first place are not addressed (improper keeping of garbage, unmanaged feeding), a new colony will form in the same location when cats moving in from surrounding areas continue to breed.
PAWS is committed to minimizing the number of feral cats by educating the public about spaying and neutering their own cats and keeping their cats indoor.