Feral Cats
A feral cat is one that lives outside and is not socialized to humans. Feral cats can live long, healthy lives, content in their colonies, where they have access to food and shelter. However, an unmanaged colony can become a problem, with rampant breeding and the onset of problem mating behaviors.
What Can We Do With Them?
Feral cats should not be taken to the animal shelter, as they are not adoptable and can, therefore, only be euthanized. Catching and killing such cats is also an ineffective method; aside from the ethical considerations, when cats are removed from an area, survivors breed to capacity or new cats move in.
The Trap-Neuter-Return method (TNR) is the most humane and effective method available to end the severe feral cat overpopulation crisis faced by this country. This method has been endorsed by national animal welfare groups, as well as many animal control departments, as the best option for feral cats and the communities they inhabit.
TNR stabilizes the colony size by eliminating new litters. It also reduces the nuisance behavior associated with unsterilized cats. TNR’s most measurable effect is that fewer cats/kittens flow through animal shelters, resulting in lower euthanasia rates and increased adoptions of shelter cats.
For more information on TNR, or for help with feral cats in Buncombe County, please contact Friends 2 Ferals at (828) 505-6737.
A feral cat is one that lives outside and is not socialized to humans. Feral cats can live long, healthy lives, content in their colonies, where they have access to food and shelter. However, an unmanaged colony can become a problem, with rampant breeding and the onset of problem mating behaviors.
What Can We Do With Them?
Feral cats should not be taken to the animal shelter, as they are not adoptable and can, therefore, only be euthanized. Catching and killing such cats is also an ineffective method; aside from the ethical considerations, when cats are removed from an area, survivors breed to capacity or new cats move in.
The Trap-Neuter-Return method (TNR) is the most humane and effective method available to end the severe feral cat overpopulation crisis faced by this country. This method has been endorsed by national animal welfare groups, as well as many animal control departments, as the best option for feral cats and the communities they inhabit.
TNR stabilizes the colony size by eliminating new litters. It also reduces the nuisance behavior associated with unsterilized cats. TNR’s most measurable effect is that fewer cats/kittens flow through animal shelters, resulting in lower euthanasia rates and increased adoptions of shelter cats.
For more information on TNR, or for help with feral cats in Buncombe County, please contact Friends 2 Ferals at (828) 505-6737.
- A feral cat colony is identified.
- Cats are trapped humanely.
- Cats are transported to a clinic for surgery.
- Cats are given a rabies vaccination (at minimum).
- Cats have their left ear “tipped” for future identification.
- Cats return to their colony within 48 hours.
- Volunteers feed and care for the cat colony.
In the interest of giving the cats the very best medical attention possible, we have developed special protocols for feral cats at our clinic:
- All feral cats must come to the clinic in a secure, live-release trap. No exceptions. This is for the well-being of the cats, as well as for the safety of our staff. If they are tame enough to be put in a carrier, or are free-roaming, please make a regular appointment. If you need to borrow traps, or want to learn how to trap properly, please contact Friends 2 Ferals at (828) 505-6737.
- Humane Alliance does not hold feral cats overnight prior to their surgery day. Feral cats must be fasted by the trapper, with no food after 7 a.m. on the day of surgery. If there is a food bowl or tin in the trap with the cat, please just turn it over.
- Feral cats must be admitted to the clinic by 11 a.m., Monday through Thursday.
- Feral cats will not receive a physical exam to determine fitness for anesthesia prior to receiving anesthesia.
- Please contact the clinic if you have any questions about these policies.
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