Trap-Neuter-Return

There is a saying that goes, “A kitten is in the animal world what a rosebud is in the garden.” And it couldn’t be any more accurate.

With Spring only a month away, it will soon be the mating season (if it hasn’t already started) for many animals - including our feral/community cats. Community cats living outside is nothing new and they are adept in doing so as they can be found in many places like college campuses or destinations like Disneyland. Community cats are skilled at finding food and shelter on their own and that is why many organizations and farms have found the benefits of having cats on their premises. For instance, community cats are great exterminators and keep down what most people consider pests, such as pigeons, rodents, and insects. They are great neighbors, and they make any premises a happier place. That’s why “farm” or “barn” cats are great business partners!

The problem comes when community cats follow their instinct and nature o reproduce. In the past, when we didn’t understand much about cat behavior, cities, and organizations will remove the litter not knowing this will cause cats to have the urge to reproduce again. We operated under the thinking that removing, relocating, and adopting out the kittens was the solution – it is not! We now understand that Trap-Neuter-Return is the only solution because it stabilizes community cat colonies. TNR stops the spraying and fighting behaviors, it improves cats’ overall health, and it addresses the need to stop the reproduction or increase of an existing colony in a particular area.

The Humane Society of Imperial County has a low-cost TNR program that operates on a weekly basis. Shelter staff takes feral cats from the community to have them spayed and neutered (including mandatory ear-tipping) for only $25. On March 9th, 10th, and 22nd, the Humane Society is scheduled to team up with Animal Action League and Feral Cat Coalition for $5 TNR clinics! For more information or to schedule a TNR appointment for feral cats for the $5 clinics, please call the Humane Society or go into the office during business hours.

The feral cat crisis is increasing with each passing year.

As a community, we need to work together and be vigilant in humanely and effectively reducing the number of feral cats. We urge community members to contact their local city officials to request that some funds be allocated for Trap-Neuter-Return programs, just like other communities have done so across the country. We also welcome funding opportunities with local businesses and foundations to implement city or valley-wide Trap-Neuter-Return and low-cost spay and neuter programs for all pet owners.

Spaying, neutering, and

TNR are about making our city a healthier and happier place for our community members, both two and four-legged.

Please remember that if you are going to feed the feral cats then you must spay/neuter them as well.