THE NUMBERS
It is estimated that there are upwards of
70 million stray and feral cats in the United States
with more than 3 million entering shelters every year.
A female cat can become pregnant as young as
4 months of age and have up to 3 litters per year
with each litter averaging 3 to 5 kittens.
Less than half of those kittens will survive to adulthood
with those that do living only 2 to 3 years
if not belonging to a managed colony.
STRAY VS. FERAL
Stray cats are lost or abandoned pets.
They can often be rescued, socialized, and adopted.
Feral cats are not accustomed to human contact or indoor life.
They were born wild and are cared for by providing
TNR services, building and maintaining shelters,
feeding and providing fresh water,
and managing their colonies on a daily basis.
TNR
TNR stands for Trap Neuter Return.
It is the most effective method used to control
the feral cat population.
Cats are humanely trapped, spayed, neutered,
vaccinated, and returned to their colonies
to live their lives free of territorial, medical,
and reproductive stresses.
VOLUNTEER
Seek out local TNR groups and volunteer for feeding sessions
and feral cat trapping projects in your neighborhood.
You can also volunteer at shelters and adoption agencies
to help feed and clean cages and spend time
socializing their cats through play and interaction.
FOSTER + ADOPT
Foster families are a crucial link between the street
and forever home for rescued cats.
They help to alleviate overcrowding in shelters
while providing vital socialization time.
If you're ready to adopt, please don't shop at pet stores
or buy from breeders. Instead, help a homeless cat
from a reputable shelter, adoption agency, or rescue group.