I used the TNR method on Tabitha and her brothers when I found them as feral kittens at my apartment complex. This recent picture is of Tabitha 14 years later. I was able to tame her with a lot of patience. She is one of the most affectionate cats I've ever had, and she is even social with visitors. She is my little buddy, and I love her like a family member.
Kittens born to feral mothers like Tabitha, are left to fend for themselves on the streets. As they get older they are able to reproduce as young as 4 months. The statistics are 1 male + 1 female = 420,000 cats and kittens in 7 years!
Many of these cats and kittens are turned in to shelters and euthanized immediately or within a few days. They cannot be touched by humans, and therefore are unadoptable. To help end this vicious cycle, TNR was created to save the lives of millions of unwanted animals every year.
It is very easy to learn how to do TNR yourself. You can rent or borrow a trap from your local shelter or rescue group. A good website to visit is Alley Cat Allies to learn more about TNR.
I have trapped about 200 cats over the years. Some have been returned to the streets and continued to be fed as a feral colony. I have been able to tame many others, and place them in adoptive homes. I am an amateur compared to some of my local rescuer friends who have trapped thousands of kitties over the years!
If you can only save one female cat, remind yourself of the statistics. You may save over 400,000 lives! It is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
San Jose, CA
