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Stray Cat – A domestic cat that has been abandoned or has strayed from home
and become lost. Once a companion animal, a stray cat can usually be successfully
placed back into a home.
Feral Cat – Literally “gone wild”, a domestic cat that has reverted to the wild
state after being lost or abandoned, or a cat that has been born outside to stray
or abandoned cats. (A feral cat can also be the offspring of feral cats who have
lived in a wild state for some generations). Feral cats live in family groups called
colonies and can be found anywhere there is food. Feral cats can survive almost
anywhere and are found all over the world.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) , Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR)– A
humane and non lethal approach to feral cat population control. A comprehensive
management plan where healthy feral (wild) cats are sterilized, vaccinated and
then returned to their habitat and provided with long-term care. Adoptable cats
and kittens are placed into homes.
Vacuum Effect – A situation arising when feral cats are removed from an
environment. More cats, moving in to take advantage of whatever meager food
source is available, will quickly fill this space. These new unsterilized cats will
breed to the capacity of the site.
Managed Colony - A group of cats where all cats have been sterilized, vaccinated,
provided food and shelter from inclement weather. The colony cats are healthier
and no longer breeding. The caretaker regularly monitors the colony and individual
cats. Feral cats are dependent on a caretaker(s) to enact this plan and provide
long-term support. Besides the obvious advantage of population control, the cats
are better able to care for themselves since they no longer have to put all of
their energy into producing and caring for offspring. A properly managed colony is
a healthy and stable colony in which no kittens are born.
Feral Cat Caretaker – An individual who has taken on the responsibility for the
health and well being of a colony of feral cats. The caretaker feeds and waters
the cats, provides shelter and is responsible for humanely trapping and taking the
cats to a veterinarian for vaccination and sterilization.
Humane Traps – A metal wire box rigged so that when an animal steps into it, the
door closes, preventing the animal from leaving. These traps do not cause the
animal any pain and are the only type of trap to be used for trap-neuter-return
(TNR). Wild animals are stressed and the trap should be covered with a towel.
Ear tipping - A technique of painlessly removing a quarter inch off the top of a
feral cat's left ear. Ear tipping is performed while the cat is anesthetized for
spay/neuter and is the only way to clearly identify a feral cat that has been
sterilized and vaccinated.
Thanks to Alley Cat Allies
and become lost. Once a companion animal, a stray cat can usually be successfully
placed back into a home.
Feral Cat – Literally “gone wild”, a domestic cat that has reverted to the wild
state after being lost or abandoned, or a cat that has been born outside to stray
or abandoned cats. (A feral cat can also be the offspring of feral cats who have
lived in a wild state for some generations). Feral cats live in family groups called
colonies and can be found anywhere there is food. Feral cats can survive almost
anywhere and are found all over the world.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) , Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR)– A
humane and non lethal approach to feral cat population control. A comprehensive
management plan where healthy feral (wild) cats are sterilized, vaccinated and
then returned to their habitat and provided with long-term care. Adoptable cats
and kittens are placed into homes.
Vacuum Effect – A situation arising when feral cats are removed from an
environment. More cats, moving in to take advantage of whatever meager food
source is available, will quickly fill this space. These new unsterilized cats will
breed to the capacity of the site.
Managed Colony - A group of cats where all cats have been sterilized, vaccinated,
provided food and shelter from inclement weather. The colony cats are healthier
and no longer breeding. The caretaker regularly monitors the colony and individual
cats. Feral cats are dependent on a caretaker(s) to enact this plan and provide
long-term support. Besides the obvious advantage of population control, the cats
are better able to care for themselves since they no longer have to put all of
their energy into producing and caring for offspring. A properly managed colony is
a healthy and stable colony in which no kittens are born.
Feral Cat Caretaker – An individual who has taken on the responsibility for the
health and well being of a colony of feral cats. The caretaker feeds and waters
the cats, provides shelter and is responsible for humanely trapping and taking the
cats to a veterinarian for vaccination and sterilization.
Humane Traps – A metal wire box rigged so that when an animal steps into it, the
door closes, preventing the animal from leaving. These traps do not cause the
animal any pain and are the only type of trap to be used for trap-neuter-return
(TNR). Wild animals are stressed and the trap should be covered with a towel.
Ear tipping - A technique of painlessly removing a quarter inch off the top of a
feral cat's left ear. Ear tipping is performed while the cat is anesthetized for
spay/neuter and is the only way to clearly identify a feral cat that has been
sterilized and vaccinated.
Thanks to Alley Cat Allies
| PO Box 404, East Aurora, NY 14052 1-888-902-9717 (toll free), www.feralcatfocus.org |