Trap-Neuter-Return Programs for Stray or Feral Cats: How You Can Help
- Rachel
- Sep 16, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Feb 22
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Why Are Abandoned Cats Such a Big Issue?
Did you know that the number of stray and feral cats in the world is approximately 480 million? It's hard to imagine as a kitty parent, because of those millions of cats, one of them could just as easily be yours or mine.
Perhaps it hits me a little harder because my boys were rescued by Cats Protection at just a few days old. The rest of the litter died shortly after birth or had to be euthanised due to severe abnormalities that would have killed them anyway.
The kittens were rejected by their birth mother and abandoned by the owner, but at least they had the decency to hand them over to Cats Protection. Most kittens aren't so lucky and end up being dumped in bags by roadsides, left in bins or abandoned in the middle of nowhere. If this is what cats are facing before they've opened their eyes to view the world, what hope do they have?
This is the brutal but heartbreaking truth, and it's hard to stomach. Thankfully, in the UK we have some amazing charities and organisations that are run by what I call "guardian angels" of the animal world. A lot of other countries simply don't have the resources, facilities, medical care or funding to cope with the overpopulation of cats roaming their streets. This leads to further neglect, poor health and for many, death.
To make things worse, feral cat colonies can quickly get out of control and cause problems for local wildlife. A lot of people consider them as pests which results in more cruelty and abuse.
Why Are There So Many Stray Cats in the World?
Breeding
Cats start breeding as early as four months old and can birth several kittens at a time, up to five times a year. To put this into perspective, the RSPCA estimates that a single pair of cats can multiply into 2 million over 10 years! These high fertility rates are causing a kitty crisis, and we as owners - and humans - have to take some responsibility.
Ownership
One of the main reasons for stray cats is unplanned breeding that leads to unwanted kittens and abandonment by so-called guardians. If you don't want your cat to breed then it's essential to take action by getting them desexed. Reasons for not doing so might include religious factors, financial restrictions and concerns about animal cruelty.
Consider how your cat will feel when she has her babies snatched away and dumped on a street corner to fend for themselves. This is unfair on both the mother and the kittens, and also places more and more pressure on shelters to take them in and find suitable loving homes. Without these organisations, our streets would be littered with feral cats - so think on that.
If you can't afford to get your cat neutered or spayed, then it's doubtful that you'll be able to fund their everyday needs and requirements. Consider an alternative, lower cost pet until circumstances change, so you can give any future kitties the lives they deserve.
Urbanisation
Another factor when it comes to the rising number of stray cats could be due to urbanisation of cities around the world. These areas provide ideal scavenging grounds with trash and discarded food, as cats don't get the same hunting opportunities as they would do in the wild. We all know that humans can be disgusting - worse than animals, in fact. Just look at the state of our towns and cities on a Saturday night....
Are Stray Cats Dangerous?
Firstly, it's important to recognise the difference between stray and feral cats. Although the terms are used interchangeably, strays are previously owned cats that have wandered away from home or become lost and live on the streets. They've had contact with humans at some point and may approach people for food or attention.
Feral is another term for cats that have been born to the wild (or streets). They've never been domesticated, avoid people and usually live in colonies. Feral cats are more likely to run from humans than attack, as are strays if they associate humans with danger.
That doesn't mean they're safe to pet, as there's a high risk of disease transmission and parasites that could be passed onto other cats or animals you have at home. Rabies and cat scratch fever can both be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches.
There's a common misconception that feral cats will attack, but this is only likely to happen if they feel cornered or threatened. Remember, if the streets are all they've known then they haven't had an opportunity to be socialised and don't know how to interact with humans. Stray cats pose more of a danger to wildlife and other small animals than humans.
What to Do If You Find a Stray Cat
If you come across a stray cat then you first need to determine if it is in fact living as a feral, or a domestic cat that's either lost or roamed away from its home. It's not always easy to tell, but if a cat seems to be in good health, isn't injured or malnourished then consider leaving it be.
This isn't due to a lack of care, but most shelters and charities tend to prioritise animals that are suffering from cruelty or neglect. In any case, as recommended by the RSPCA, there are a few things you can do if you happen to cross paths with a wandering kitty.
The quickest way to reunite a cat with its owner is to check for a collar or tag with contact details. Only approach if it appears calm and willing to be handled.
Ask around locally and use the power of social media.
Take it to a local vet to scan for a microchip.
Register the cat on Animal Search UK.
If you find an injured cat, regardless of whether you think it's a stray or not, carefully wrap it in a blanket and take it to a veterinary clinic or animal shelter to see if they can help. If it's found in a dangerous location, trapped or unapproachable, call an animal rescue service and wait for help.
Pregnant cats, unfortunately, should be left alone unless they're in danger or appear distressed as there could be problems in labour. It's important not to disturb queens giving birth or with newborn kittens, as removing them could result in the mother rejecting or killing them. The best thing to do is check up on them, provide shelter and fresh water.
So too, if you come across kittens that have been left alone then you should wait a few hours to see if the mother returns, as it's not unusual for them to leave their offspring in the search for food. Kittens stand a much better chance of survival if they stay with their mum.
If you suspect kittens have been orphaned or they're in danger, it's crucial that you call a vet, animal charity such as Cats Protection or the RSPCA helpline for assistance.
Related post: How to Prepare Cats for a Vet Visit and Reduce Stress
Trap-Neuter-Return Programs
A lot of animal charities are trying to introduce TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return or Release) programs in countries where the feral population is out of control. This involves catching cats in humane traps, neutering or spaying at a veterinary clinic and then releasing them safely into their natural colonies.
Some organisations will take in kittens under a certain age so they can be socialised ready for adoption. Adult cats are unlikely to be easily domesticated and find cattery life extremely stressful.
Cats may also receive vaccinations and medical treatment, if necessary. As street cats live in close proximity to each other, it allows the easy transmission of contagious diseases, parasites and infections such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) which is the cat equivalent to AIDS.
The TNR process may include what's referred to as ear tipping, whereby a vet will cut off the top of a cat's left ear while it's under anaesthetic. This is so they can be identified from a distance and ensure they're not trapped or neutered again. While this doesn't sound pleasant, in the USA in particular, it's a sign of a safe and cared for colony - which is what we should all be striving for.
The TNR method is a simple one, but lack of funding and a shortage of vets poses a huge problem - especially in countries where cultures don't necessarily believe in or agree with desexing animals. Unfortunately, proper sterilisation is necessary to prevent more cats being born into environments that simply aren't safe or appropriate for them to really thrive.
Humans played a role in creating this problem, so doesn't it make sense that we should be the ones to solve it? In New Zealand, feral cats are hunted and killed in competitions that offer cash prizes for the biggest haul. It goes without saying that a simple TNR program could literally save lives, while preventing more cats from being born into the same horrific cycle.
Imagine for a second that your beloved fur baby was torn from their cosy bed and sentenced to a feral life. Every night on the cold, lonely streets is a fight for survival as they beg for scraps of food, picking up all manner of parasites and diseases. Cast aside by one human and abused by another; stolen to be used for dog fighting which, tragically, is becoming a more common occurrence. The darker side of humanity is probably a street cat's biggest threat.
The procedure for desexing a cat is fairly straightforward, and it only takes 5-10 minutes to neuter a male under general anaesthetic. Females are a little more complicated as surgery involves the abdominal cavity.
Sterilisation has many benefits aside from preventing unplanned breeding. It can reduce the risk of reproductive cancers, as well as antisocial behaviour including urine spraying and territorial aggression.
Learn more about the benefits of sterilisation this post: Why You Should Get Your Cat Neutered or Spayed: Benefits and Risks
Network for Animals
NFA helps stray cats around the world and supports projects in Greece, Italy, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco and Zimbabwe. This involves providing critically needed food, financing vaccinations and running effective Trap-Neuter-Release programs. It's important to remember that this is a temporary solution for an ongoing crisis, with the hopes of giving street cats a chance at a decent life rather than barely surviving.
This is only half of the battle, for a lot of it rests on raising public awareness and pet owners taking responsibility for their cats. Dumping unwanted litters and expecting others to clean up the mess should be a crime and, thankfully, authorities are beginning to take notice.
As of June 2024, a new law in England (UK) makes it compulsory for owners to get their cats microchipped or they could face a fine of £500. Hopefully, this will make people think twice about dumping their cats.
Any guardians-to-be who are considering adding a cat to their family, adoption is such a rewarding experience - I promise it'll change not just your life, but that of a furry in need.
NFA Projects and Campaigns
To further emphasise the severity of this worldwide catastrophe, let's look at some of the amazing work that animal welfare organisations like Network for Animals do.
Greece
Street cats in Greece rely on tourists and restaurant owners to feed them, but when winter draws in and tourism dies down, it becomes a much bleaker story. Network for Animals funds TNR programs, as well as providing food and medical care for around 500 hungry kitties.
Kenya
In the Lamu East area of Kenya, there isn't a single shelter or vet clinic. With no government help, cats are left to breed unchecked, resulting in a flood of starving and neglected cats and kittens. Network for Animals works with a team of local vets that conduct regular TNR programs to end this tragic cycle.
South Africa
Network for Animals supports the TEARS (The Emma Animal Rescue Society) Cattery in Cape Town which cares for around 150 cats. They provide funding for food, veterinary care and search and rescue missions for cats that have been abandoned, abused or neglected from poverty-stricken township areas.
Zimbabwe
Established in 2023, MARES Community Cat Sanctuary is the only animal shelter in Bulawayo that cares for cats and kittens. The local animal shelter usually euthanises them as soon as they're brought in.
How You Can Help
By supporting this work, you're supporting animals and have the chance to not only save lives, but change people's attitudes towards animal welfare in general. To elaborate on some of the projects mentioned above, deep-rooted cultural beliefs in Lamu, Kenya has led people to believe that sterilising animals is wrong. Network for Animals has managed to sway the locals with a respectful education campaign.
You can support sterilisation in Lamu, along with other projects by donating directly to the organisation. For every £20 you give, one cat can be sterilised which could prevent as many as 24 unwanted kittens from being born every year. TNR programs aren't an immediate fix as numbers will take time to stabilise, eventually resulting in colonies of healthier cats that can be cared for and managed.
Donations aren't the only way to help, simply sharing information and educating others is a huge part of this ongoing battle to put an end to animal suffering and cruelty around the world.
Find out more about Network for Animal campaigns, projects and other animals they help on their website or visit their donation page.
Here is a list of some other charities and organisations across the UK that run TNR programs for local stray and feral cats:
Do you agree with TNR programs as a safe and humane way to monitor and care for stray cats? Comment to share your thoughts.
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