Feral Friends

All of us at Meowing Monsters strongly promote all animals be spayed or neutered. We actively participate in TNR (trap neuter and release), and have colonies of our own we care for. We also help provide our fellow Caregivers with food and supplies!

What is a Feral Cat or Community Cat?

Feral cats are no different then your normal house cat, except where your normal cat lives inside and is loving and affectionate, feral cats live outside, are free roaming and are wild. These cats may have been lost or abandoned family pets or they may have been born in the wild. To survive they have reverted back to their wild instinct. They fear humans and keep their distance, often lurking in the shadows. They are rarely seen just hanging out in the yard. Not all free roaming cats are considered feral though. Some may be strays. Strays are kitties who don't have homes, but they did at one point in their lives. They might be skittish, but they are still tame by nature. They have reverted to survival mode, making them leary of humans, but once trust is gained, their friendly ways come back. It all depends on the cats age, amount of human contact they have received in the past,and their personality.

What Is a Colony?

These free roaming cats, both feral and strays, form colonies. Colonies are groups of cats, usually somehow related, that live together in a certain areas. There can be multiple different colonies within the same area, but each kitty usually sticks with its own group. Colonies can form behind buildings, alleyways, backyards, vacant lots, parks, warehouses, or anywhere there is adequate food and shelter. Over time these colonies grow and grow, resulting in an over population of cats, depleted resources, causing health issues, and ultimately a nuisance to those who don't like cats.

Who Cares for a Colony?

If a colony is lucky, they will have a caregiver. A caregiver is just a normal person who has dedicated their time to helping those kitties. The Caregiver will supply food and water and shelter. They keep an eye out for any kitties whom look sick or hurt, and they participate in programs called TNR.

What is TNR?

Trap-Neuter-Return is a method for effectively reducing the feral cat population and helping to manage feral colonies. The Caregiver will trap cats in their colony and take them to a clinic to be altered. (spay or neutered). The Caregiver will hold them over night to make sure they are ok and then release them back in the same spot they came from.

What Good is TNR if the Kitties still Live on the Streets?

While living on the streets isn't ideal, there is not enough homes for them all. By altering cats, we are controlling the population. Altering decreases the amount of kitties born, which in turn gives more kitties the chance of life.It also helps keep colonies health and stop the transmission of diseases. It also helps prevent the amount of kitties euthanized due to lack of homes or space in our animal shelters. (a lot of shelters wont even accept feral cats anymore)

How can someone help?

There are tons of ways to help! You can help feed a colony, help trapping, transporting, be a holding place for recovery, or even sewing trap covers!

You can sponsor altering appointments, provide food for the colonies, donate supplies like dishes and bowls.....or just share your knowledge about TNR and the importance. Education is one of the greatest donations you can give. The more people who understand, the more involvement it will bring and the more help we all can provide as a group.