New Program for Feral Cats

Just thought I'd let you know about this new program the Humane Society is implementing to help feral cats.

Greetings Volunteers-

We are excited to announce the launch our new TNR Feral Cat Program.

TNR = TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN
Many communities and published papers have found that successful control of feral and outdoor un-owned cats is best achieved by trap-neuter-return. This concept is not new, but is being more fully embraced nationwide as a way to keep cat numbers low without the need for euthanasia.

Feral cats that are brought to the Humane Society of Central Oregon by the public are now being enrolled in our TNR program. If the cats are determined to be healthy by our veterinarian and fit for an outdoor life they receive the following medical care:

1. Spay or neuter surgery
2. Vaccinations (for upper respiratory infection, Panleukopenia and rabies)
3. Deworming
4. The tip of their ear is removed.

The ear tip is removed to permanently and easily identify them as being spayed or neutered so that trapping is not attempted or, if trapped, they can be quickly released.
Cats are returned within blocks of the location they were originally trapped, as they will know the resources for food, water and shelter in that area. There are no laws in Oregon regarding cats and this is not abandonment. These cats are going back to their home but in an improved state – unable to reproduce, vaccinated and dewormed.

We strive to do the best for all of the animals in our care and this is just one more step that the Humane Society of Central Oregon has taken, utilizing the latest published research for the betterment of animals and of our community.