(352) 588-1127

Trap-Neuter-Release

To contact us:

 

Phone:   (352) 588-1127 or 1-877-NOWSPAY

Fax:      (352) 588-3657

E-mail:  spaypasco@yahoo.com

Mail:     PO Box 506, San Antonio FL 33576

 

What is a feral cat?

 

A domestic (friendly) feline that has been abandoned, lost or neglected and forced to live and survive on its own, is called a “stray”.  The offspring of these stray cats raised without human contact, develop a natural fear of people and become “wild”.  The wild offspring of domestic animals are called “feral”.

 

Why do we have feral cats?

 

Human  indifference is the root cause.  This phenomenon is most often attributed to uneducated pet guardians who do not spay or neuter their pets, allowing them to roam and breed freely and others who cruelly abandon or neglect unwanted and unaltered pets.

 

How do feral cats survive?

 

Though there is a high mortality rate amongst feral cats, they struggle for survival, existing any way they can.  They live and congregate anywhere there is a food source (dumpsters, behind restaurants and cafeterias, even our own backyards).  All cats are territorial, and though forced to live in the wild, feral cats are social and emotional beings that seek interaction and companionship.  They form and live in what we call “colonies”.

 

A job to do…..

 

Great hunters, feral cats can help us in many ways, one of which is to help contain the rodent and vermin population.  They also act as a buffer between human and rodent diseases such as rabies and the plague.

 

Can we humanely control the feral cat population?

 

Yes, Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) is a humane method of control, which first began in England in the late 1970’s.  Studies have proven that TNR is the single, most effective method of stabilizing and maintaining healthy feral cat colonies, with the least cost to government and residents.  At the same time, it provides the best life for the cats themselves, and creates harmony and goodwill within communities.

 

What can you do to help prevent feline overpopulation?

 

Spay or neuter your pets.  Educate others as to the benefits of spay / neuter.  Stop pet abandonment and report those who do this inhumane act to the local authorities and participate in, or financially support a TNR program.