A community cat is a an outdoor cat that has had little socialization with people. These cats can be found all across the nation, adapted to surviving in the outdoors. Often, these cats are unfriendly to us humans, and can’t live an indoor life like some of our pets. But we can care for these cats to the best of our capabilities, and keep the breeding cycle from repeating through TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return).
Community Cat Care
If you come across a community cat that seems unsocialized, but you would still like to help, there are plenty of options! The main things that you can provide a feral cat in need are food and shelter. Many outdoor felines are skilled in scavenging or hunting for food, but will greatly appreciate an easy meal. Cost-effective and efficient housing can also be constructed from Styrofoam coolers stuffed with straw. These are especially handy in the winter when warm shelter isn’t readily available.
So you have the basics! Feral cats are low maintenance, and don’t require much else unless they become injured or ill. But we know from owning our own kitty companions that life in the outdoors is not ideal. So how do we break the cycle?
TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return)
TNR is a humane, effective way to control feral cat populations and break the cycle of outdoor cats. Community cats are trapped, brought to a veterinary clinic to be spayed or neutered, and returned to their original location. This allows them to live out their lives, while preventing further litters being born.
At Great Plains SPCA, we regularly host TNR Clinics, where our community can bring their feral cats to us for a small fee. These cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped to signal to other caregivers that they have been fixed. Keep an eye on our social media for future TNR Clinics!
If you have a feral cat or colony in your neighborhood and have additional questions or concerns, email hero@greatplainsspca.org! We are more than happy to lend a hand, and continue caring for ALL animals that need our help.