Background
Feral cats are free-roaming domestic cats who either never were socialized by humans or have been on their own outdoors for so long that they have reverted to a wild state. Adult feral cats typically cannot be handled. The kittens of feral cats may be able to be handled and socialized if efforts begin when they are only a few weeks of age. No one knows how many feral cats live in the United States, but estimates range upward of tens of millions. Feral cats are found in all areas of the country and tend to gather together in colonies wherever there are reliable sources of food, water and shelter. Most attempts to eradicate feral cat colonies have failed. As long as there is food and shelter, new cats take the place of those who are removed. At this time the most humane and effective strategy for controlling feral cat populations is trap/neuter/return, or TNR, whereby all the cats in a colony are trapped, sterilized, and returned to their colony, ideally to be managed by a caretaker who monitors the animals’ health and remains vigilant that any newcomers are immediately sterilized. This stabilizes the population of the colony and, over time, reduces it. At the same time, the objectionable spraying, vocalizing and fighting behaviors of the colony are largely eliminated.
ASPCA Position
The ASPCA supports the principle of managed colonies for feral cat population control until the colony size can be reduced by attrition. Managed feral colonies should include trapping, vaccination, neutering/spaying and permanent identification including microchipping and ear “tipping”(surgical removal of the tip of one ear as a visible sign that the cat has been sterilized and belongs to a managed colony). Sociable animals should be placed in new homes if available. Testing for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia, while not practical for feral cats in general, is recommended for any kittens or adult cats who are to be placed for adoption; a positive test result should be confirmed by subsequent testing in order to rule out false positive findings. Ongoing care-giving, including food, water, shelter and veterinary care (where necessary), must be provided. The ASPCA does not support managed colonies in areas where endangered or threatened prey species are present; in areas where it is likely that the cats themselves may be subjected to harm or abuse; or where there is little or no community acceptance, as this too could jeopardize the safety of the animals. In such cases, the ASPCA recommends capture and adoption, or euthanasia.
