Second Chance Humane Society, Ridgway, Colorado

A stray cat is not a feral cat.
A stray is a cat who has been abandoned or who has strayed from home and become lost. Stray cats can usually be re-socialized and adopted.

A feral cat is an unsocialized cat.
Either he was born outside and never lived with humans, or he is a house cat who has strayed from home and over time has thrown off the effects of domestication and reverted to a wild state.

Feral cats are not adoptable and should not be taken to shelters.

Feral cats are not the cause of wildlife depletion.

Studies show that the overwhelming cause of wildlife depletion is destruction of natural habitat due to man-made structures, chemical pollution, pesticides, and drought, not feral cats.

Provided by: Alley Cat Allies: www.alleycat.org

FERAL CAT PROGRAM

To humanely control feral cat colonies throughout its service region, SCHS operates a TNR program which involves the humane trap, spay/neuter and release of feral cats. The program also involves testing and vaccinating the cats against contagious disease, thus promoting healthy colonies while reducing health risks to domestic cats. To report uncontrolled colonies in your area, or to learn more information on this program call our Animal Helpline at 970.626.2273.

Other Resources:

Read the Second Chance Pet Columns
www.felineresistance.com
www.wildaboutcats.com

Trap and remove does not work.
Not only would you have to continue to remove cats, this process is extremely costly. Other cats simply move in to take advantage of the available resources and they breed prolifically, quickly forming a new colony. This vacuum effect is well documented.

Trap, neuter, and return does work.
No more kittens. Their numbers gradually go down. The annoying behaviors of mating cats, such as yowling or fighting, stop. The cats are vaccinated and they are fed on a regular schedule. This ongoing care creates a safety net for both the cats and the community.

Provided by: Alley Cat Allies: www.alleycat.org