If one – or more – stray cats have appeared in an area, there are a number of choices available to residents or businesses. Many neighborhood associations and businesses have set up their own pet registries, spay/neuter donation funds, foster care homes and adoption networks to solve the problem of lost and stray cats. Because our community shelters are so overwhelmed with homeless animals, these “homegrown” solutions are often as good or better than shelters at quickly reuniting lost pets with their families, getting stray animals off the streets, and finding them permanent loving homes.

Stray Cats Resources
The Feline Sanctuary Boerne, TX 78006 (830) 248-1098 Email: cdpedersen@gvtc.com	Stray Cat Adoptions of Texas (SCAT) P.O. Box 700571 San Antonio, TX 78270 (210) 363-8010 Denise Duchaine
Feral Cat Rescue Group and Campus Cat Coalition Rescue Line: (940) 565-4206 Nancy Kelly	San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition P.O. Box 692308 San Antonio, TX 78269 (210) 877-9067 Shelter Pet Finder
Purr-Fect Haven, Inc. 13034 Cavern Park Dr. San Antonio, TX 78249 Elizabeth A. Skipper Email: eskipper@satx.rr.com	Alley Cat Allies

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) isn’t just the most humane way to deal with feral cats. It’s the only effective way to deal with feral cats. Because more cats move in when cats are removed and killed, “catch and kill” hasn’t proved successful at controlling feral cat numbers. More and more studies however, show that TNR stops population growth and nuisance behaviors and over time reduces the number of feral cats. TNR has worked in cities, on college campuses, and on military bases across the country.

What is TNR?
TNR stands for “Trap-Neuter-Return,” a humane feral cat population control method in which feral cats are humanely trapped, sterilized (spayed or neutered), vaccinated against rabies and other diseases, and returned to their original location or colony to be cared for by a volunteer colony manager. Sterilization decreases or eliminates nuisance behaviors like spraying and fighting, and no more kittens will be born to a sterilized colony. The cats have not been abandoned to starvation or suffering because the colony manager feeds them and watches for signs of illness or injury requiring re-trapping and veterinary care. Where natural shelters from harsh weather don’t exist (a barn or house with pier-and-beam foundation, for example), some caretakers build inexpensive shelters for the colony. Special off-the-ground feeders prevent an influx of opossums and raccoons.

How can I learn to do TNR? Can someone do TNR for me?
Local and online help is available to help with TNR.

SAFCC blurb and link

• SA Feral Cat Coalition

Local resources for TNR

• FAQs
• Event and workshop calendar

Alley Cat Allies blurb and link

• Feral cat and TNR FAQs
• Factsheets and Articles
• TNR projects in SA and elsewhere

Feral Cats Resources
The Feline Sanctuary Boerne, TX 78006 (830) 248-1098 Email: cdpedersen@gvtc.com	Stray Cat Adoptions of Texas (SCAT) P.O. Box 700571 San Antonio, TX 78270 (210) 363-8010 Denise Duchaine
Feral Cat Rescue Group and Campus Cat Coalition Rescue Line: (940) 565-4206 Nancy Kelly	San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition P.O. Box 692308 San Antonio, TX 78269 (210) 877-9067 Shelter Pet Finder
Purr-Fect Haven, Inc. 13034 Cavern Park Dr. San Antonio, TX 78249 Elizabeth A. Skipper Email: eskipper@satx.rr.com	Alley Cat Allies

What if I don’t mind having cats around but can’t stand them digging in my garden?
Living with cats does not have to mean living with nuisance behaviors – there are many easy and inexpensive ways of discouraging the cat from bothersome behaviors. With a little trial-and-error, homes and businesses can coexist peacefully with feral cats.

General Deterrents

• Critter Ridder scent deterrent is available online and at local Lowe’s Home Centers.

Motion-activated water sprinklers can be borrowed from Animal Care Services for a $75 fully-refundable deposit or purchased online.

Ultrasonic deterrents that make a noise unpleasant to cats but inaudible to humans can be purchased online.

Behavior-Specific Deterrents

• How to live with cats in your neighborhood