TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) benefits the whole community. It improves the lives of feral cats, decreases the size of colonies over time, and eliminates neighbourhood nuisance.
During TNR, young kittens and friendly cats are taken to SPCA shelters where they will be cared for until they’re ready to find a forever home. Feral cats, who would be happier living outside, are humanely trapped, spayed/neutered, ear tipped and returned to their local colony.
Thousands of stray and feral cats have been reported across the province. When one unfixed cat is stray or feral, they have the possibility of having roughly 180 kittens over their lifetime. Sadly, majority of these animals will suffer as strays and many do not make it through the winter months.
The Nova Scotia SPCA has a mobile surgical van that allows us to do high-volume spays and neuters in areas where feral cats are reported. Since we also have our own in-house veterinarians, we were able to do the surgeries at one-third of the cost and were able to maximize donor funding to the fullest.
Joanne from Hants expressed, “Having our feral colony neutered has been amazing! We don’t have to look at rounded tummies and wonder where and when the new litter would be. Rounded tummies are now just well-fed kitties. I can’t stress enough the burden and stress lifted from our shoulders. We are so very grateful!”
This problem impacts the entire community, so it requires a community of people to help solve it. We are so thankful to our amazing team and volunteers who spend their evenings and weekends dedicated to TNR. Because of their hard work, less kittens are born into harsh conditions where they are at risk of food scarcity, disease and predators. Feral cats can live happy, healthy lives no longer in constant distress.
Do you know of a cat colony in your area? Are you interested in helping with TNR? Connect with us today by e-mailing catcolony@spcans.ca