You may have seen them in your neighborhood; cats that aren't wearing tags and shun human contact. Homeless or feral cats are cats that have been abandoned or have grown up in the wild with little human social contact. These cats are un-owned and oftentimes in poor health. Contrary to popular belief, these cats cannot fend for themselves outdoors. The average lifespan of a homeless cat is only two years (Los Angeles SPCA). Unaltered females tend to live out their lives in a constant state of breeding, and unaltered males inherently fight for and mark their territories.

TNR reduces homeless cat populations by sterilizing cats so they cannot reproduce. TNR, when accompanied by ongoing homeless cat management, is the most effective, humane method of reducing homeless cat populations.

Cats are trapped, taken to shelters or veterinary clinics where they are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, tested and have their ears tipped so they can be identified as part of a managed colony. Only healthy cats are placed back in their colony so there is not a health risk to other cats and animals.

Sterilization helps make cats better community citizens; colonies gradually diminish in size.

By reducing or eliminating yowling associated with mating, fighting and wandering, TNR makes colonies more stable, decreases the number of newcomers and improves the health of the cats.

Furthermore, TNR saves money. It costs cities up to $250 to pick up, house and euthanize one homeless cat. For the same price, they can spay/neuter five cats.

• There are an estimated 125,000 homeless cats in Santa Clara County.
• Cats represent two-thirds of all animals in shelters and are euthanized at a far greater rate than dogs or rabbits.
• Santa Clara County shelters euthanized approximately 14,000 cats in 2005 at a cost of approximately $2.4 million.
• Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) spearheaded a Homeless Cat Coalition in October 2004 to develop and implement a cat management program to reduce the homeless cat population in Santa Clara County. Last year, the coalition altered 4,300 homeless cats throughout Silicon Valley. For information about the coalition, contact Angline Siegel at 408.727.3383 ext. 861.
• HSSV feral cat hotline number 408.727.3383 ext. 762
• Click here to download TNR Fact Sheet

Humane Trapping Care and feeding of homeless cats Homeless cat medical issues Medical center Socializing homeless cats Homeless cats and public safety Post surgery recovery care

Visit our web site and view a trailer about Homeless cats and learn how you can purchase a copy of the documentary!