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HSHV's TRAP, NEUTER AND RETURN PROGRAM (TNR)
HSHV’s Trap, Neuter, and Return Program aims to reduce the overpopulation of feral cats while supporting a higher quality of life and reducing unnecessary euthanasia of feral cats.
Through this program feral cats are humanely trapped by HSHV staff and volunteers, brought to HSHV for spay/neutering, vaccines, health check and ear-tipping (for identification), and are then returned to their original habitat. Social cats and kittens are placed up for adoption at HSHV. Involvement in this program requires a volunteer colony manager to feed and monitor the colony. While there is no fee for this program, we do encourage monetary donations so that we can keep this program running strong. You may also call HSHV and request to have your donation designated to our TNR program.
If you believe you have feral cats in your area and would like to be a part of our TNR program, please contact our TNR Coordinator at Kathryn@hshv.org or call 662-5585 x103.
How to tell the difference between a feral and a stray cat…
Feral Cat |
Stray Cat (lost or abandoned) |
Silent except mating calls and hisses |
Meows |
Only seen at dawn and dusk to hunt |
Seen at all times of day and night |
Will eat food only after humans have retreated a distance |
Will eat food with humans standing within six foot |
Can never be touched or held |
May be touched, held or approached within limitations. |
If cornered will hiss, spit and fight hard |
If cornered will try to hide but fight if pushed |
Looks clean and healthy (feral cats are better at surviving in the wild) |
Looks dirty and unwell |
Intact or neutered and ear tipped as part of TNR |
Intact or Neutered |
No collar or microchip |
Might have collar and microchip |
To determine if a cat is feral, stray, or just a visiting cat from the neighborhood, the cat should be monitored for a few days. Using the information above to determine if the animal is feral or stray (stray refers to homeless cats that are lost or abandoned pets and have not been born in the wild). If the cat is clean, healthy and friendly, it is likely a neighborhood cat just visiting. You can put a collar on the cat with a note asking the owners to notify you if this is their cat. This way an owned cat does not mistakenly get taken to the Humane Society.
If this same cat starts to loose weight or looks increasingly disheveled, it is likely a lost or abandoned pet. You may choose to bring the cat inside or to bring to the Humane Society. In either scenario, signs should be posted in the neighborhood regarding a found cat, and a found report made at the HSHV.
If you know you have feral cats and want them removed, that is not a service we provide. If you know you have feral cats and want to trap them and bring them in to HSHV, there is a charge for this service and we would rather you spoke with our TNR Coordinator about better, more effective alternatives. Removing feral cats from an area will not get rid of the problem; it will only leave a gap for a new cat to enter.
NEEDED: One Van in Good Working Order
We are in need of a reliable van for our Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR) Program. HSHV’s TNR Program aims to reduce the overpopulation of feral cats while supporting a higher quality of life and reducing unnecessary euthanasia of feral cats.
Donations to HSHV are tax-deductible . Please consult your tax advisor for more information.
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