Caretaker's Guide
Introduction to Caretaking
For All Interested and Concerned Persons
Regarding the neighborhood cats and kittens. Also known as feral or community cats. The LA Department of Animal Services estimates there are hundreds of thousands of free roaming feral cats and kittens in the Los Angeles area, with some estimates at one million. In any given neighborhood, there are free roaming cats which can include, feral cats, abandoned stray cats, owner-owned pet cats and kittens of unknown origin that are allowed to roam the area for any number of reasons. Highly respected agencies and organizations throughout the city and Nation endorse TNR (trap, neuter and return) as the only proven, non- lethal, successful method of bringing the feral cat populations, under control. Cats that are not feral are not part of the TNR with managed care method as described.
History
Feral cats (also referred to as strays or community cats) are the sad result of irresponsible adults who have not spayed or neutered their domestic cats and allowed them to roam freely or cats that are abandoned in the neighborhoods. This results in much suffering of unmanaged and unwanted kittens and homeless adults. Succeeding generations are born in our cities under horrendous conditions. With no human intervention, they struggle to survive, suffer, starve and over populate their meager food supply. It is our responsibility to provide TNR programs with population control and managed care. Because of their fear of humans, trapping is necessary for these successful projects.
Cats are free roaming, both domestic and feral: Random surveys in our cities, by recognized organizations, have concluded that in any given area, four to thirty feral cats or more, live in close proximity throughout our neighborhoods, workplaces, public and industrial areas and elsewhere. Every possible inhumane way man could devise, over the years, has been tried to exterminate feral cats and kittens for population control and all have failed miserably. Feral cats and kittens form colonies (families) near food supplies, raid garbage containers, eat discarded food, hand outs, beg for food and prey on rodents. They avoid humans.
Rodent Control
Since feral cats are present everywhere throughout our cities, many industrial businesses and other private companies want them to remain on their properties for rodent control. However, without humane population control or proper nourishment and long-term managed care, the area becomes overpopulated. Successful RODENT CONTROL requires the cats be spayed and neutered and have nourishing food and water and oversight, if they are to remain healthy. They do not nourish themselves on rodents. When the cats are present with their scent, rodents go elsewhere within a short time. See LA Times Article, December 29 , 2009, ‘LAPD PUTS CATS ON PATROL – Palm Beach Daily New s – Cats.
Statistics
In a national survey by the Humane Society of the United States, there are an estimated 60- 100 million feral cats in the U.S., with approximately 37 million people randomly feeding about half of them with no population control in place. Since feral cats and their offspring have had little opportunity to bond with humans, they are considered unadoptable and are routinely euthanized in our city shelters. The only proven way to bring the feral cat population under control is to implement TNR (trap, neuter and return) programs with long-term managed care. These programs are being implemented globally. A caretaker, who is dedicated and responsible is an integral part of the program, as they provide the oversight required for population control once the cats have been returned following spay and neuter.
Trapping and killing does not work
All too often, an ill-informed attempt to “get rid of the cats”, results in trapping and killing. It is lawful for cats to free roam which makes it impossible to remove all cats from any territory. Since there are no outdoor borders for cats, free roaming cats in the immediate vicinity and surrounding areas will claim the vacated territory. These surrounding areas may be home to many other cats allowed outdoors. These cats can be unaltered or altered ownerowned domestic cats as well as kittens who have not been spayed or neutered, ferals cats, abandoned cats and many more. Because these situations are prevalent in Los Angeles and other cities, without humane population control (TNR), and managed care, the areas where the trapping and killing has taken place soon become repopulated.
The Importance of Caretaking
Unless you are on an island, it is impossible to eradicate outdoor cats from any given location. Without scheduled population control, you cannot know how many cats are present. This unsuccessful approach has resulted in the untold numbers of feral cats we now have in our communities and the associated problems of needless suffering. The endless euthanization in our shelters at a huge cost to taxpayers has proved unsuccessful. Feral cats will remain at the locations where they were born. They know no other home. Other cats will roam into the territory. Our methods of managed care at the home sit will reduce the population over time which results in population control and healthy cats.
Just stop feeding?
Anyone who is under the impression that there will be no more cats and kittens if the feeding stops, is in for a stark reality check! National statistics bear out that one in five households in the U.S. randomly feed outdoor cats (HSUS) and that people cannot be forbidden to feed these cats and kittens and will do so under the most extreme conditions with threats to their well being. Outdoor cats and kittens are fed by homeless people, lunchtime handouts, people who drive by and leave food at night, employees, backyards, front yards, along the side of the street and by anyone who sees the cats and feel they should be fed. The more you try to mandate a no feeding edict, the more creative people become with food randomly scattered around. It has been tried and is an unsuccessful and a counterproductive solution for there is no oversight or population control in place.
An example of The Edict!
A well managed, approved TNR project is in place and the caretaker has spent much time and effort and personal resources to bring the project to a success. The site is now under control with long-term managed care in place. After much time, financial resources and hard work, the caretaker is informed the cats are no longer wanted on the property and they are to stop feeding them. The cats lives and existence are being threatened in a situation that has met all of the standards of care and responsibility. The caretaker’s have bonded with these cats and feels responsible for their welfare.
This successful TNR project, that everyone has taken pride in achieving, is now in jeopardy. At this juncture, all persons must immediately negotiate, identify and resolve the issues for the cats to remain on the property. It is critical that everyone FIND A WAY TO WORK TOGETHER, on any issues and humanely care for the cats on the property they call home. There is no other place for them. Euthanizing and starving does not work!
The statistical impact on the neighborhood
Since it is impossible to remove all cats from any area, those that are removed will be replaced by other free roaming cats. If there is no organized feeding program in place, and no responsible caretaker, in a very short time, it will become an intolerable situation with malnourished sickly cats and kittens roaming around and no oversight!
WHICH Situation WOULD YOU PREFER?!
Trap, neuter and return – how does it work?
Follow the guidelines for trapping at your location and also inform your neighbors you will be trapping and to keep their cats inside. Permits may be required. Before trapping begins, print our Instructions for Trapping. The cats will be returned to their home site with responsible long-term managed care following spay and neuter.
Long-Term Managed Care
Engage persons who may have randomly fed and cared for the cats to stay involved in their continued care and maintenance. Have a group meeting so everyone is on board and knows the guidelines. Once the trapping is accomplished, the cats are taken to a veterinarian for spay, neuter, immunization against disease and a rabies vaccination. They are given a physical examination and treated for mites, fleas and worms. The right or left ear has a straight surgical nip 1/16 inch straight across for identification purposes as being sterilized and vaccinated. Required Rabies vaccination creates a barrier against Rabies from wildlife to domestic life. Ear-tipping is a well known identification for animal control, veterinarians and those involved in rescue indicating the cat has been neutered and vaccinated.
We recommend micro chipping, as it will identify the cat belonging to a feral cat colony and, if trapped inadvertently, can be returned. After the cats have recovered from surgery following post-op boarding, they are returned to their home site for long-term managed care by their caretaker(s). Long Term Managed Care document can be printed here.
The care will include, nourishing food, fresh water, medical care, if needed. Responsible maintenance of shelters and feeding stations and overseeing a clean area. Our methods include stringent guidelines for long-term managed care. Cleanliness is critical and areas must be kept clean of feces or unsightly feeding areas. Full strength vinegar in a spray bottle in all areas after feces clean up is inexpensive and works. Flea control is part of the program using several successful methods.
Just as you would pick up feces for your dog, it is necessary do the same for the cats at their location and surrounding areas. It indicates respect for the cats and the neighbors.
Following surgery
Adult feral cats will be returned to their home site that is safe and managed. You may find as few as 3-10 cats in the backyard or neighborhood or 10-100 plus in public and industrial areas. Feral cat colonies are families. They have a unique relationship with each other, not having bonded with humans. Our pet cats look to us for comfort and safety, feral cats look to one another. They play together, look out for intruders and they are good neighbors. Shelter is essential at the home site and they are used even on the hottest days. Shelters keep the cats off the ground and discourage them from gravitating to unsafe places. They remain healthier with stronger immune systems. If adoptable age kittens are present, we recommend that every effort should be made to rescue them for adoption. Continued trapping is necessary, in the colony, to insure humane population control is implemented as part of long-term care.
Sheltering
Simple to make discrete, shelters for two cats can be constructed with off the shelf materials and tucked into out of the way areas, providing the cats with a warm and safe place. These types of shelters can also be set up in backyards, warehouse areas, sheds, garages and other types of buildings where the cats reside. See our video at www.feralcatcaretakers.org – under Sheltering and instructions on our website.
A happy and successful outcome!
Neutered feral cats rarely wander very far from their shelter and feeding areas. This makes for efficient population control as newcomers are easily identified. They stay closer to home, spraying ceases and confrontations are few and less serious. Females no longer come in heat which discourages males from entering the area. There are less kittens being born and the atmosphere becomes one of humane control with responsible and compassionate management. It becomes quite apparent the cats are healthy and with their good behavior and overall presence, they add a unique presence to any location they occupy, which is usually rodent free! Through attrition and aging, the numbers gradually reduce over time. Managed care insures their safety and well being.
Trap, neuter and return is a global, proven successful humane method of population control. The communities need your support to implement TNR projects. Eventually, even the most skeptical individual will see the positive results. An intelligent, humane solution is at hand for feral cats and kittens THANKS TO TNR & MANAGED CARE.
“
As caretakers we go about our daily tasks. We gather strength from the feral cats and kittens we care for. We experience their delight and their joy of the moment, as well as their unconditional love and their pain. Our lives are touched by their presence. They show us things we never dreamed of and inspire us to do the impossible. Only those whose lives have been touched by a feral cat or kitten can truly understand the passion, depth of commitment, respect and affection that is forthcoming from a place within that few of us realized existed.
”
Dona Cosgrove Baker, Founder, Feral Cat Caretakers’ Coalition
Caretaking Entails Many Responsibilities
The caretakers are a direct lifeline to feral cats and kittens. They offer them the right to life and provide the solution for humane population control with long-term managed care. This can be a lifetime commitment. They personally furnish services to feral cats and kittens that should be made available through funded shelters, sanctuaries, foundations, humane societies and many other organizations. Unfortunately, few of these organizations provide for feral cats. The fact that most of the cats have not had an opportunity to bond with humans, and must be captured in traps, impacts their image and suffering, and renders them socially unadoptable. In affirming their right to life, their plight then becomes the responsibility of thousands of concerned citizens who commit to their care with little or no resources, no rights and little recognition.
Caring for feral cats and kittens, living outdoors requires dedication and perseverance. Feral cat caretakers provide outdoor sheltering, food, medical attention, veterinary care, spaying/neutering, vaccinations and whatever else, within their means, to increase and maintain the quality of life of those in their care. They do this in all kinds of weather, under the most difficult conditions and sometimes miles from home. They find homes for, and take responsibility for kittens as well as adults that have bonded with them and have become too domesticated to survive outdoors. The stray cats who join colonies in search of food must also be taken out and given the opportunity for a good home. The caretakers manage colonies by knowing each cat and identifying any newcomers that need to be trapped and require surgery. Long-term managed care includes on-going trapping, arranging for foster care and kitten adoption. They attend to cleanliness of the area and minimize dangers when possible. Much of their work is labor- intensive and generally performed under adverse conditions.
Feral cat caretakers encounter a magnitude of indifference from their communities, but understand how important it is to extend themselves to help others. They become ardent activists and form networks. If given the proper support, caretakers can offer a comprehensive solution for their communities by implementing humane treatment and population control of feral cats. By working with property owners and concerned citizens they can establish an outreach program that will enable all parties to participate in this most worthy endeavor.
- Understanding the Need
- Importance of Caretaking
- Caretaker Responsibilities
For All Interested and Concerned Persons
Regarding the neighborhood cats and kittens. Also known as feral or community cats. The LA Department of Animal Services estimates there are hundreds of thousands of free roaming feral cats and kittens in the Los Angeles area, with some estimates at one million. In any given neighborhood, there are free roaming cats which can include, feral cats, abandoned stray cats, owner-owned pet cats and kittens of unknown origin that are allowed to roam the area for any number of reasons. Highly respected agencies and organizations throughout the city and Nation endorse TNR (trap, neuter and return) as the only proven, non- lethal, successful method of bringing the feral cat populations, under control. Cats that are not feral are not part of the TNR with managed care method as described.
History
Feral cats (also referred to as strays or community cats) are the sad result of irresponsible adults who have not spayed or neutered their domestic cats and allowed them to roam freely or cats that are abandoned in the neighborhoods. This results in much suffering of unmanaged and unwanted kittens and homeless adults. Succeeding generations are born in our cities under horrendous conditions. With no human intervention, they struggle to survive, suffer, starve and over populate their meager food supply. It is our responsibility to provide TNR programs with population control and managed care. Because of their fear of humans, trapping is necessary for these successful projects.
Cats are free roaming, both domestic and feral: Random surveys in our cities, by recognized organizations, have concluded that in any given area, four to thirty feral cats or more, live in close proximity throughout our neighborhoods, workplaces, public and industrial areas and elsewhere. Every possible inhumane way man could devise, over the years, has been tried to exterminate feral cats and kittens for population control and all have failed miserably. Feral cats and kittens form colonies (families) near food supplies, raid garbage containers, eat discarded food, hand outs, beg for food and prey on rodents. They avoid humans.
Rodent Control
Since feral cats are present everywhere throughout our cities, many industrial businesses and other private companies want them to remain on their properties for rodent control. However, without humane population control or proper nourishment and long-term managed care, the area becomes overpopulated. Successful RODENT CONTROL requires the cats be spayed and neutered and have nourishing food and water and oversight, if they are to remain healthy. They do not nourish themselves on rodents. When the cats are present with their scent, rodents go elsewhere within a short time. See LA Times Article, December 29 , 2009, ‘LAPD PUTS CATS ON PATROL – Palm Beach Daily New s – Cats.
Statistics
In a national survey by the Humane Society of the United States, there are an estimated 60- 100 million feral cats in the U.S., with approximately 37 million people randomly feeding about half of them with no population control in place. Since feral cats and their offspring have had little opportunity to bond with humans, they are considered unadoptable and are routinely euthanized in our city shelters. The only proven way to bring the feral cat population under control is to implement TNR (trap, neuter and return) programs with long-term managed care. These programs are being implemented globally. A caretaker, who is dedicated and responsible is an integral part of the program, as they provide the oversight required for population control once the cats have been returned following spay and neuter.
Trapping and killing does not work
All too often, an ill-informed attempt to “get rid of the cats”, results in trapping and killing. It is lawful for cats to free roam which makes it impossible to remove all cats from any territory. Since there are no outdoor borders for cats, free roaming cats in the immediate vicinity and surrounding areas will claim the vacated territory. These surrounding areas may be home to many other cats allowed outdoors. These cats can be unaltered or altered ownerowned domestic cats as well as kittens who have not been spayed or neutered, ferals cats, abandoned cats and many more. Because these situations are prevalent in Los Angeles and other cities, without humane population control (TNR), and managed care, the areas where the trapping and killing has taken place soon become repopulated.
The Importance of Caretaking
Unless you are on an island, it is impossible to eradicate outdoor cats from any given location. Without scheduled population control, you cannot know how many cats are present. This unsuccessful approach has resulted in the untold numbers of feral cats we now have in our communities and the associated problems of needless suffering. The endless euthanization in our shelters at a huge cost to taxpayers has proved unsuccessful. Feral cats will remain at the locations where they were born. They know no other home. Other cats will roam into the territory. Our methods of managed care at the home sit will reduce the population over time which results in population control and healthy cats.
Just stop feeding?
Anyone who is under the impression that there will be no more cats and kittens if the feeding stops, is in for a stark reality check! National statistics bear out that one in five households in the U.S. randomly feed outdoor cats (HSUS) and that people cannot be forbidden to feed these cats and kittens and will do so under the most extreme conditions with threats to their well being. Outdoor cats and kittens are fed by homeless people, lunchtime handouts, people who drive by and leave food at night, employees, backyards, front yards, along the side of the street and by anyone who sees the cats and feel they should be fed. The more you try to mandate a no feeding edict, the more creative people become with food randomly scattered around. It has been tried and is an unsuccessful and a counterproductive solution for there is no oversight or population control in place.
An example of The Edict!
A well managed, approved TNR project is in place and the caretaker has spent much time and effort and personal resources to bring the project to a success. The site is now under control with long-term managed care in place. After much time, financial resources and hard work, the caretaker is informed the cats are no longer wanted on the property and they are to stop feeding them. The cats lives and existence are being threatened in a situation that has met all of the standards of care and responsibility. The caretaker’s have bonded with these cats and feels responsible for their welfare.
This successful TNR project, that everyone has taken pride in achieving, is now in jeopardy. At this juncture, all persons must immediately negotiate, identify and resolve the issues for the cats to remain on the property. It is critical that everyone FIND A WAY TO WORK TOGETHER, on any issues and humanely care for the cats on the property they call home. There is no other place for them. Euthanizing and starving does not work!
The statistical impact on the neighborhood
Since it is impossible to remove all cats from any area, those that are removed will be replaced by other free roaming cats. If there is no organized feeding program in place, and no responsible caretaker, in a very short time, it will become an intolerable situation with malnourished sickly cats and kittens roaming around and no oversight!
WHICH Situation WOULD YOU PREFER?!
Trap, neuter and return – how does it work?
Follow the guidelines for trapping at your location and also inform your neighbors you will be trapping and to keep their cats inside. Permits may be required. Before trapping begins, print our Instructions for Trapping. The cats will be returned to their home site with responsible long-term managed care following spay and neuter.
Long-Term Managed Care
Engage persons who may have randomly fed and cared for the cats to stay involved in their continued care and maintenance. Have a group meeting so everyone is on board and knows the guidelines. Once the trapping is accomplished, the cats are taken to a veterinarian for spay, neuter, immunization against disease and a rabies vaccination. They are given a physical examination and treated for mites, fleas and worms. The right or left ear has a straight surgical nip 1/16 inch straight across for identification purposes as being sterilized and vaccinated. Required Rabies vaccination creates a barrier against Rabies from wildlife to domestic life. Ear-tipping is a well known identification for animal control, veterinarians and those involved in rescue indicating the cat has been neutered and vaccinated.
We recommend micro chipping, as it will identify the cat belonging to a feral cat colony and, if trapped inadvertently, can be returned. After the cats have recovered from surgery following post-op boarding, they are returned to their home site for long-term managed care by their caretaker(s). Long Term Managed Care document can be printed here.
The care will include, nourishing food, fresh water, medical care, if needed. Responsible maintenance of shelters and feeding stations and overseeing a clean area. Our methods include stringent guidelines for long-term managed care. Cleanliness is critical and areas must be kept clean of feces or unsightly feeding areas. Full strength vinegar in a spray bottle in all areas after feces clean up is inexpensive and works. Flea control is part of the program using several successful methods.
Just as you would pick up feces for your dog, it is necessary do the same for the cats at their location and surrounding areas. It indicates respect for the cats and the neighbors.
Following surgery
Adult feral cats will be returned to their home site that is safe and managed. You may find as few as 3-10 cats in the backyard or neighborhood or 10-100 plus in public and industrial areas. Feral cat colonies are families. They have a unique relationship with each other, not having bonded with humans. Our pet cats look to us for comfort and safety, feral cats look to one another. They play together, look out for intruders and they are good neighbors. Shelter is essential at the home site and they are used even on the hottest days. Shelters keep the cats off the ground and discourage them from gravitating to unsafe places. They remain healthier with stronger immune systems. If adoptable age kittens are present, we recommend that every effort should be made to rescue them for adoption. Continued trapping is necessary, in the colony, to insure humane population control is implemented as part of long-term care.
Sheltering
Simple to make discrete, shelters for two cats can be constructed with off the shelf materials and tucked into out of the way areas, providing the cats with a warm and safe place. These types of shelters can also be set up in backyards, warehouse areas, sheds, garages and other types of buildings where the cats reside. See our video at www.feralcatcaretakers.org – under Sheltering and instructions on our website.
A happy and successful outcome!
Neutered feral cats rarely wander very far from their shelter and feeding areas. This makes for efficient population control as newcomers are easily identified. They stay closer to home, spraying ceases and confrontations are few and less serious. Females no longer come in heat which discourages males from entering the area. There are less kittens being born and the atmosphere becomes one of humane control with responsible and compassionate management. It becomes quite apparent the cats are healthy and with their good behavior and overall presence, they add a unique presence to any location they occupy, which is usually rodent free! Through attrition and aging, the numbers gradually reduce over time. Managed care insures their safety and well being.
Trap, neuter and return is a global, proven successful humane method of population control. The communities need your support to implement TNR projects. Eventually, even the most skeptical individual will see the positive results. An intelligent, humane solution is at hand for feral cats and kittens THANKS TO TNR & MANAGED CARE.
“
As caretakers we go about our daily tasks. We gather strength from the feral cats and kittens we care for. We experience their delight and their joy of the moment, as well as their unconditional love and their pain. Our lives are touched by their presence. They show us things we never dreamed of and inspire us to do the impossible. Only those whose lives have been touched by a feral cat or kitten can truly understand the passion, depth of commitment, respect and affection that is forthcoming from a place within that few of us realized existed.
”
Dona Cosgrove Baker, Founder, Feral Cat Caretakers’ Coalition
Caretaking Entails Many Responsibilities
The caretakers are a direct lifeline to feral cats and kittens. They offer them the right to life and provide the solution for humane population control with long-term managed care. This can be a lifetime commitment. They personally furnish services to feral cats and kittens that should be made available through funded shelters, sanctuaries, foundations, humane societies and many other organizations. Unfortunately, few of these organizations provide for feral cats. The fact that most of the cats have not had an opportunity to bond with humans, and must be captured in traps, impacts their image and suffering, and renders them socially unadoptable. In affirming their right to life, their plight then becomes the responsibility of thousands of concerned citizens who commit to their care with little or no resources, no rights and little recognition.
Caring for feral cats and kittens, living outdoors requires dedication and perseverance. Feral cat caretakers provide outdoor sheltering, food, medical attention, veterinary care, spaying/neutering, vaccinations and whatever else, within their means, to increase and maintain the quality of life of those in their care. They do this in all kinds of weather, under the most difficult conditions and sometimes miles from home. They find homes for, and take responsibility for kittens as well as adults that have bonded with them and have become too domesticated to survive outdoors. The stray cats who join colonies in search of food must also be taken out and given the opportunity for a good home. The caretakers manage colonies by knowing each cat and identifying any newcomers that need to be trapped and require surgery. Long-term managed care includes on-going trapping, arranging for foster care and kitten adoption. They attend to cleanliness of the area and minimize dangers when possible. Much of their work is labor- intensive and generally performed under adverse conditions.
Feral cat caretakers encounter a magnitude of indifference from their communities, but understand how important it is to extend themselves to help others. They become ardent activists and form networks. If given the proper support, caretakers can offer a comprehensive solution for their communities by implementing humane treatment and population control of feral cats. By working with property owners and concerned citizens they can establish an outreach program that will enable all parties to participate in this most worthy endeavor.