| Founded in 2003, Feral Cat FOCUS is a volunteer organization that provides fundamental services for feral cats in Western New York. |
| PO Box 404, East Aurora, NY 14052 1-888-902-9717 (toll free), www.feralcatfocus.org |
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Stray Cat – A domestic cat that has been abandoned or has strayed from home and
become lost. Once a companion animal, a stray cat can usually be successfully placed back
into a home.
Feral Cat – Literally “gone wild”, a domestic cat that has reverted to the wild state
after being lost or abandoned, or a cat that has been born outside to stray or abandoned
cats. (A feral cat can also be the offspring of feral cats who have lived in a wild state for
some generations). Feral cats live in family groups called colonies and can be found
anywhere there is food. Feral cats can survive almost anywhere and are found all over the
world.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) , Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR)– A humane and non
lethal approach to feral cat population control. A comprehensive management plan where
healthy feral (wild) cats are sterilized, vaccinated and then returned to their habitat and
provided with long-term care. Adoptable cats and kittens are placed into homes.
Vacuum Effect – A situation arising when feral cats are removed from an environment.
More cats, moving in to take advantage of whatever meager food source is available, will
quickly fill this space. These new unsterilized cats will breed to the capacity of the site.
Managed Colony - A group of cats where all cats have been sterilized, vaccinated,
provided food and shelter from inclement weather. The colony cats are healthier and no
longer breeding. The caretaker regularly monitors the colony and individual cats. Feral
cats are dependent on a caretaker(s) to enact this plan and provide long-term support.
Besides the obvious advantage of population control, the cats are better able to care for
themselves since they no longer have to put all of their energy into producing and caring
for offspring. A properly managed colony is a healthy and stable colony in which no kittens
are born.
Feral Cat Caretaker – An individual who has taken on the responsibility for the health
and well being of a colony of feral cats. The caretaker feeds and waters the cats,
provides shelter and is responsible for humanely trapping and taking the cats to a
veterinarian for vaccination and sterilization.
Humane Traps – A metal wire box rigged so that when an animal steps into it, the door
closes, preventing the animal from leaving. These traps do not cause the animal any pain
and are the only type of trap to be used for trap-neuter-return (TNR). Wild animals are
stressed and the trap should be covered with a towel.
Ear tipping - A technique of painlessly removing a quarter inch off the top of a feral cat's
left ear. Ear tipping is performed while the cat is anesthetized for spay/neuter and is
the only way to clearly identify a feral cat that has been sterilized and vaccinated.
Thanks to Alley Cat Allies
become lost. Once a companion animal, a stray cat can usually be successfully placed back
into a home.
Feral Cat – Literally “gone wild”, a domestic cat that has reverted to the wild state
after being lost or abandoned, or a cat that has been born outside to stray or abandoned
cats. (A feral cat can also be the offspring of feral cats who have lived in a wild state for
some generations). Feral cats live in family groups called colonies and can be found
anywhere there is food. Feral cats can survive almost anywhere and are found all over the
world.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) , Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR)– A humane and non
lethal approach to feral cat population control. A comprehensive management plan where
healthy feral (wild) cats are sterilized, vaccinated and then returned to their habitat and
provided with long-term care. Adoptable cats and kittens are placed into homes.
Vacuum Effect – A situation arising when feral cats are removed from an environment.
More cats, moving in to take advantage of whatever meager food source is available, will
quickly fill this space. These new unsterilized cats will breed to the capacity of the site.
Managed Colony - A group of cats where all cats have been sterilized, vaccinated,
provided food and shelter from inclement weather. The colony cats are healthier and no
longer breeding. The caretaker regularly monitors the colony and individual cats. Feral
cats are dependent on a caretaker(s) to enact this plan and provide long-term support.
Besides the obvious advantage of population control, the cats are better able to care for
themselves since they no longer have to put all of their energy into producing and caring
for offspring. A properly managed colony is a healthy and stable colony in which no kittens
are born.
Feral Cat Caretaker – An individual who has taken on the responsibility for the health
and well being of a colony of feral cats. The caretaker feeds and waters the cats,
provides shelter and is responsible for humanely trapping and taking the cats to a
veterinarian for vaccination and sterilization.
Humane Traps – A metal wire box rigged so that when an animal steps into it, the door
closes, preventing the animal from leaving. These traps do not cause the animal any pain
and are the only type of trap to be used for trap-neuter-return (TNR). Wild animals are
stressed and the trap should be covered with a towel.
Ear tipping - A technique of painlessly removing a quarter inch off the top of a feral cat's
left ear. Ear tipping is performed while the cat is anesthetized for spay/neuter and is
the only way to clearly identify a feral cat that has been sterilized and vaccinated.
Thanks to Alley Cat Allies