Feral Cat Program
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
Since 2002 Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation has supported individual efforts to Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) feral and other free-roaming cats. The goal of TNR programs is to prevent suffering and overpopulation of feral (wild) cats, giving them a better life, and also to improve the communities in which these cats are found. Many owner abandoned cats can be found in this group as well, and may revert to less tame status as they fend for themselves on the streets and in rural areas.
Feral cats are wild, or semi-wild, cats that cannot be picked up or handled by humans. They are the offspring of outdoor cats that roam free and are not sterilized. These wild cats are often many generations removed from human ownership and cannot be placed into a typical home situation.
To help feral cats in our area, Noah’s Ark provides resources to individuals working in their neighborhoods to humanely trap feral or other homeless cats and provide them with sterilization surgery. The cats are then returned to their neighborhoods. Noah’s Ark has several safe “live” traps that we loan out for use, detailed trapping instructions, and funding to help with spay or neuter surgery expense. Fairfield Animal Hospital (642-472-6983) also has “live” traps that they loan out.
Frequently, abandoned tame cats will show up at the feeding stations. These cats are accepted into Noah’s Ark shelter for eventual adoption, space permitting.
Noah’s Ark raises and provides funds for spay/neuter expenses for these feral and free-roaming cats. One hundred percent of your donation goes to help pay for spay/neuter surgeries, ear-tipping, and vaccinations. Local individuals who want to help with feral cats in their neighborhood can contact Noah’s Ark for a CCSNAP voucher by calling 641-472-6080 or by sending us an email. Individuals requesting funds are responsible for trapping (after securing the necessary permits) and returning the cat to its home area. Please note that trapping is illegal so be sure to check with your local authorities to obtain the necessary permission and or permit. In Fairfield, contact the Chief of Police, or call the shelter for more detailed information.
Noah’s Ark supports TNR efforts in Fairfield and Jefferson County, as well as adjacent counties when funds permit.
The Trap-Neuter-Return method of humanely controlling feral cat populations is endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, the Cornell Feline Health Center, Alley Cat Allies, and many other national organizations. It is also used effectively by hundreds of communities around the country.