Buddy
Buddy was found at an apartment complex in Chesterfield, Virginia by a volunteer. He was already ear tipped but so friendly we could not leave him outside in the elements. He is FIV+ and is enjoying a warm safe place with a full belly daily while we look for an indoor home for him. He deserves a family of his own
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While Meow Stories advocates the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for managing feral cat populations we currently do not offer TNR Services due to a high volume of adoptions, lack of qualified volunteers and lack of grant funding.
Feral cats are born and raised in the wild, or have been abandoned or lost and reverted back to wild behavior in order to survive. They will live in “colonies” and take refuge where they can find food and shelter. The estimated number of feral cats in the U.S is ten million plus. That is why we feel so passionate in promoting this program in our communities.
TNR is the method of humanely trapping feral cats, having them spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies and ear tipped prior to returning them to their colonies to live out their lives under the guardianship of caregivers. Ear tipping is the nationally recognized symbol of a sterilized feral cat, by which the top of the left pinna (ear) is removed during the sterilization surgery, giving the ear a flat appearance.
This program is the only proven humane and effective method to manage feral cat populations. The killing and removal of feral and stray cats by animal control agencies and local governments is not only cruel, but has proven futile in controlling their population numbers. Contrary to its intent, this method only serves to create a well documented “vacuum effect” whereby other cats will eventually move in to take advantage of the resources available in that habitat.
There are so many benefits of the TNR program. Among these benefits, TNR helps contain the overpopulation of homeless cats and provides a healthier, longer life for these wonderful felines. Sterilizing a colony eliminates the nuisance behavior associated with mating and provides more space, shelter, food, and fewer risks of disease for these feral cats. Female cats, when spayed, are less likely to develop breast cancer and are no longer at risk for ovarian or uterine cancer; while neutered males will not get testicular cancer and are less likely to fight with other male cats, a main source of spreading diseases. Managed feral colonies, overseen by attentive caregivers, not only enjoy an enhanced quality of life, but are seen in a more positive light in their communities.
Feral cats are born and raised in the wild, or have been abandoned or lost and reverted back to wild behavior in order to survive. They will live in “colonies” and take refuge where they can find food and shelter. The estimated number of feral cats in the U.S is ten million plus. That is why we feel so passionate in promoting this program in our communities.
TNR is the method of humanely trapping feral cats, having them spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies and ear tipped prior to returning them to their colonies to live out their lives under the guardianship of caregivers. Ear tipping is the nationally recognized symbol of a sterilized feral cat, by which the top of the left pinna (ear) is removed during the sterilization surgery, giving the ear a flat appearance.
This program is the only proven humane and effective method to manage feral cat populations. The killing and removal of feral and stray cats by animal control agencies and local governments is not only cruel, but has proven futile in controlling their population numbers. Contrary to its intent, this method only serves to create a well documented “vacuum effect” whereby other cats will eventually move in to take advantage of the resources available in that habitat.
There are so many benefits of the TNR program. Among these benefits, TNR helps contain the overpopulation of homeless cats and provides a healthier, longer life for these wonderful felines. Sterilizing a colony eliminates the nuisance behavior associated with mating and provides more space, shelter, food, and fewer risks of disease for these feral cats. Female cats, when spayed, are less likely to develop breast cancer and are no longer at risk for ovarian or uterine cancer; while neutered males will not get testicular cancer and are less likely to fight with other male cats, a main source of spreading diseases. Managed feral colonies, overseen by attentive caregivers, not only enjoy an enhanced quality of life, but are seen in a more positive light in their communities.