Community Cats
We refer to stray and feral cats as COMMUNITY CATS. They have been let down by society. Abandoned by owners or born on the streets because their parents were never spayed or neutered.
"We are forever responsible for that
which we tame."
Fat Cat Rescue currently cares for over
250 Community Cats
Trap-Neuter-Return
1 + 1 = 420,000
One female cat, one male cat and their offspring results
in 420,000 kittens in 7 years.
The PROBLEM...It's estimated that tens of millions of feral and stray cats freely roam the streets of the United States and breed rapidly!
Doing nothing and using ineffective approaches are what have resulted in the current overpopulation problem. Trying to rescue all of the feral cats and find them homes is impossible given their numbers and their limited socialization. Removing or relocation all the feral cats invites new unneutered cats to move in and the cycle of reproduction starts again.
The SOLUTION...Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
It is the only method proven to be humane and effective in controlling free-roaming cat population growth. TNR is about:
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Population control and permanently reducing the number of cats in an area
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Lowering cat intake into shelters, thereby lowering shelter euthanasia rates
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Reducing the spread of disease
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The returned, spayed/neutered colony guards its territory, discouraging unneutered cats from moving in and beginning the cycle of overpopulation
Please contact our TNR partner Spay and Stay for TNR information: info@spayandstay.org
TNR FAQ
1. What Are Community Cats? Community cats, also known as feral cats, are outdoor cats that aren't socialized to people. These cats are part of the domestic cat species but live outside without an owner. They typically form groups, called colonies, and thrive in outdoor environments.
2. Why Do I See Community Cats in My Neighborhood? Community cats live wherever they can find food and shelter. They are skilled at surviving on their own but cannot live indoors with people. Because they are unsocialized, these cats are not adoptable through typical means.
3. What is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)? Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the humane way to help control the community cat population. TNR allows cats to stay in their outdoor homes while preventing future litters. Here’s how it works: 1. **Trap the Cat**: Using a humane trap, the community cat is safely captured. 2. **Neuter/Spay**: The cat is taken to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered. During this visit, they also receive vaccinations. 3. **Eartip**: The vet will remove a small tip of one ear. This is called "eartipping" and is the universal sign that the cat has been through a TNR program. 4. **Return**: After recovering, the cat is returned to its original outdoor home to live out its life.
4. Why Not Just Remove the Cats? Removing cats from an area (through trapping or euthanizing) doesn’t solve the problem long-term. This is due to the "Vacuum Effect" where new cats will move into the empty space and start breeding. TNR prevents this cycle by stabilizing the community cat population, ensuring no new kittens are born and allowing the existing cats to live safely in their environment. TNR is the best way for communities to peacefully coexist with community cats while helping reduce overpopulation.
5. How Can You Help Community Cats? There are many ways you can support community cats and improve their quality of life while helping manage the population. 1. **Provide Outdoor Shelters** Community cats need protection from the elements, especially in colder months. You can make or buy outdoor cat shelters to give them a safe place to stay. Here’s how: - Use **plastic storage bins, wood, or Styrofoam** to create a simple shelter. - Line the inside with **hay (not blankets)** to help keep the cats warm and dry. Hay repels moisture, while blankets absorb it, which can make them cold. You can find DIY guides online, or purchase pre-made outdoor shelters designed for feral cats. 2. **Feed the Cats** You can help community cats by offering regular food and fresh water. Be sure to: - Feed them **at the same time and place daily** so the cats know where to come. - Provide **dry food** or leave wet food only for short periods to avoid spoilage. - Make sure water is available, especially in winter—consider using **heated water bowls** to prevent freezing. 3. **Humanely Trap Community Cats** If you notice community cats in your neighborhood and want to help with TNR, here’s what you can do: - **Get a humane trap**: Many local animal organizations or shelters have humane traps you can borrow or rent. - **Bait the trap**: Use strong-smelling food like tuna or sardines to lure the cat in. - **Cover the trap**: Once the cat is caught, cover the trap with a blanket to keep the cat calm until you can take it to a veterinarian. Work with a TNR program in your area for assistance, especially with the vet appointment for neutering/spaying and eartipping. Fat Cat’s TNR partner is Spay and Stay - https://www.spayandstay.org/, info@spayandstay.org. Protecting Community Cats By providing shelter, food, and participating in TNR, you are helping to keep community cats safe and healthy. Remember, once a community cat has been neutered, vaccinated, and eartipped, they can live a healthy life outdoors without contributing to overpopulation.
6. How to Know if the Cat is Feral, Stray, or an Indoor-Outdoor Cat Not all outdoor cats are feral or stray—some may belong to a nearby household and simply enjoy time outside. Here’s how to differentiate between a feral, stray, or indoor-outdoor cat: - **Feral cats**: These cats avoid human contact, hide, or may act aggressively (hissing, running away) when approached. - **Stray cats**: Strays are more likely to approach humans, may seek attention, and might even try to enter homes. They were likely pets before becoming lost or abandoned. - **Indoor-Outdoor cats**: Some pet owners allow their cats to roam outside. These cats might be friendly or familiar with people but still spend time outdoors.
7. Steps to Take if You See a Cat Outdoors: - **Look for a collar**: A collar or ID tag indicates the cat likely has a home. - **Check for a microchip**: If the cat seems friendly and approaches you, take them to a vet or animal shelter to check for a microchip. - **Ask neighbors**: The cat might belong to someone in your area. You can ask around, post on social media and Nextdoor, or put up flyers with a photo of the cat. - **Monitor behavior**: If the cat is consistently outdoors and unfriendly, it may be feral. Friendly cats that appear healthy and well-groomed are often indoor-outdoor pets that will make their own way home. If you're unsure, avoid trapping the cat right away. First, try to determine if they have an owner or if they're part of the community cat population that may benefit from TNR. DO NOT just keep the cat and make assumptions. If Lake County, IL, you must report the found cat to Lake County Animal Control at (847) 377-4700 or you can submit online here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2496/Lost-and-Found-Pets. You do have the option to house the cat while animal control does their research and hold.
8. What are the laws regarding TNR and caring for community cats? Fat Cat Rescue is In Lake County, IL, so here are some specific laws for our area. Please check with your own municipality for their laws. For Lake County, IL: There are specific regulations and guidelines concerning Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and the care of community cats. Here are some key points about community cat laws and TNR programs in the area: 1. **TNR is Legal and Supported** Lake County supports the TNR approach as a humane method to manage and stabilize the community cat population. TNR programs, often managed by local organizations and volunteers, humanely trap feral cats, spay/neuter them, vaccinate them, eartip for identification, and return them to their original location. 2. **Registration of Colony Caregivers** Lake County encourages individuals or groups who manage community cat colonies to register as colony caregivers. This registration ensures caregivers have permission to care for the cats and participate in a recognized TNR program. 3. **Feeding Community Cats** Colony caregivers are allowed to feed and care for community cats under TNR programs. However, they are expected to follow certain guidelines: - Feeding stations should be maintained in a clean, sanitary manner. - Food should not be left out for extended periods to avoid attracting wildlife. - Caregivers are responsible for ensuring the cats receive necessary medical care, including spay/neuter and vaccinations. 4. **Eartipping as an Identification** Eartipping, which involves removing a small portion of the cat’s ear, is required for all cats participating in TNR programs. This allows animal control officers and the public to easily identify that the cat is part of a managed colony and should not be re-trapped or brought to a shelter. 5. **Animal Control and Nuisance Laws** While TNR is supported, Lake County still enforces general animal control and nuisance laws. Colony caregivers must ensure the cats do not become a public nuisance by: - Keeping the colony size manageable. - Monitoring the cats' health. - Taking steps to address complaints from neighbors, such as noise or property damage. 6. **Shelter Regulations** In some cases, colony caregivers may be required to provide shelter for community cats, particularly in colder months. These shelters must be discreet and located on private property, with the owner’s consent. 7. **Coordination with Local TNR Groups** Lake County works with various TNR organizations and encourages residents to contact these groups for assistance with trapping, spaying/neutering, and care of community cats. These groups can provide resources, guidance, and access to low-cost veterinary care. 8. **Penalties for Violating Animal Laws** Violations of animal control laws, including failure to comply with TNR guidelines, can result in fines or other penalties. However, participating in a registered TNR program helps protect colony caregivers and ensures they are operating within the law. For the most up-to-date information, residents are encouraged to check with local authorities or animal control in Lake County, IL.
