A non-lethal sterilization method to reduce the numbers of feral cats in the environment both immediately and for the long term. TNR is a comprehensive, ongoing program in which stray and feral cats already living outdoors in cities, towns, and rural areas are humanely trapped, then evaluated, vaccinated, and sterilized by veterinarians. Kittens and tame (stray) cats are adopted into good homes. Healthy adult cats too wild (feral) to be adopted are returned to their familiar habitat under the lifelong care of volunteers. Cats that are ill or injured beyond recovery are not returned to the environment.

TNR was brought to the U.S. from Europe and the U.K. during the 1980s.  In communities where TNR is widely embraced, feral cat numbers have dropped. TNR programs operate largely or entirely through the dedicated efforts of committed volunteers. TNR works because it breaks the cycle of reproduction. In general, the cost of sterilizing and returning a feral cat is less than half the cost of trapping, holding, killing, and disposing of a feral cat. TNR protects public health and advances the goal of reducing the numbers of feral cats in the environment. The public supports humane, non-lethal TNR as the long-term solution to feral cat overpopulation.

 

Our aim is to reduce the numbers of stray and feral cats, and TNR has been well proven as the most effective method to achieve that goal.

 

Managed colonies dwindle over time, often to just one or two elderly felines.  Well fed, neutered, monitored colonies are better for everyone, including the tourists that list them among their reasons for visiting our wonderful town.

 

Animal Outreach, who has been at the forefront of a humane approach to the stray animal population in the area, has used raised funds and grant dollars to care for many of Cape May county’s cats, and vows to continue to do so. There is no cost to taxpayers for the maintenance of these animals. “Many caretakers support their own colonies. Those that need help know that they can call upon Animal Outreach and we will gladly assist them.” says Ellen Shaw, President of Animal Outreach’s Board of Directors. “It is at the heart of our mission.”

 

TNR is an essential component of the no-kill movement. In order to stop the senseless killing of thousands of cats per year in municipal shelters, feral cats must be kept out of the system. Adult feral cats will never be suitable for adoption, and thus should be trapped, neutered, and released to responsible caregivers. To cage them is cruel and they face certain death after the state mandated 7 days. Additionally, when feral cats are part of the system, cage space is reduced for friendly, adoptable cats in the shelter, and many of them are needlessly killed to make temporary space for feral cats. If the ferals were kept from the system, cage space would be moe available and the tame cats would have a far better chance for adoption.