COLONY CATS

These healthy cats are members of a TNRM Cat Colony
( Trap Neuter Release and Maintain )
here on the Eastside of the Big Island of Hawaii
Pictures taken May 2010

The fact is, trap-and-remove doesn’t work

“Trap-and-remove” is a euphemism for capturing and killing feral cats, which is Animal Control’s traditional approach to feral cats. Trap-and-remove attempts may temporarily reduce the number of feral cats in a given area, but two things happen: one, unsterilized survivors continue to breed prolifically and, two, other cats move into the now-available territory. This is known as the vacuum effect.  
 

When New cats move in, get them on the schedule to be Spay/Neutered. All cats establish territories for food sources and shelter. As long as cats are not spay/neutered they will continue to breed. Round up to remove, or to remove and kill is not the long term solution. It simply doesn’t work, more expensive and becomes a continued killing cycle. 

Stopping the feeding of feral cats, is not the solution as hunger is a driven force to survive. Best to feed as an humane controlling factor, and too so much easier to trap for spay and neuter appointments.

The solution and scientifically proven method to control animal overpopulation is by spay/neuter! Trap, neuter, return and manage (TNRM) of feral felines colonies lowers cat populations.
It is recommended to have kitties ear-tipped for identification during surgery and returned back. It is easy to see that a male has been neutered, but for females not so. An ear-tipped prevents having to be re-trapped unnecessarily. Through SPAY/NEUTER their numbers will gradually go down through attrition.
TNRM effectively decreases cat populations, as the best most humane solution preventing unwanted litter births.