October 2011 benchmarks five years that we have been operating a 2 person volunteer spay/neuter program for our islands feral/stray cats. We have successfully had 753 cats spayed/neutered/vaccinated and released to live out their lives. This program can not exist without the help and support of the community and its caring vacationers. When we began this program Dock Street was overwhelmed by breeding feral/stray cats and was the first area targeted for TNR. Over 80 cats have been trapped from and around the vicinity of Dock Street within our first year of volunteer work. Those who remember back before this program began know that the island was a breeding ground and drop off point for cats. After we got the Dock Street area under control we began to work on other problem areas of the island as well as off island. There are many new residents both full time and part time and as well as new businesses to the island. I would like to update the community with a simple Q&A on what TNR is and the importance of neutering and spaying. What is a feral cat?
A feral cat is a domestic cat that isn`t socialized to people. Feral cats are most content living outside.
What is a stray cat?
Stray cats differ from feral cats in that a stray has clearly been someone`s pet and is not overly afraid to approach humans.
What is a cat colony?
A colony is a group of cats living in an area with a food source.
What is Trap-Neuter-Return?
Trap-Neuter-Return ( TNR ) is a process in which feral/stray cats are:
1. Humanely trapped.
2. Spayed or neutered.
3. Vaccinated for rabies.
4. Eartipped for identification. * The number of feral/stray cats and kittens brought into local shelters is reduced. This results in lower euthanasia rates and lessens the strain on animal shelter resources.
* Annoying behaviors associated with mating such as: spraying, fighting, & caterwauling diminish.
* Sterilized cats roam less and are less likely to contract diseases spread through bite wounds.
Can Cedar Key TNR adopt feral cats into homes?
No. Feral cats are afraid of humans and socializing them is nearly impossible. Feral cats do best in their natural outdoor environment making TNR the best way to help them. How can Cedar Key TNR help with TNR?
If the colony is located in the Cedar Key area, Cedar Key TNR can help you with the following:
* Loan you a humane trap.
* Provide you with instructions and support while you trap and recover feral cats.
* Make arrangements with the vets that will spay/neuter, eartip, and vaccinate feral cats for rabies.
You will pay $20.00 per cat to offset the medical costs. Payment arrangements can be arranged. Will Cedar Key TNR relocate feral cats?
Relocating feral cats shouldn`t be attempted unless the lives of the cats are in danger. Relocating is a delicate process involving:
* Finding a suitable new location and caretaker for the cats.
* Trapping the cats and providing them with the necessary veterinary care.
* Transporting the cats to the new colony location.
* Confining the cats for a minimum of two weeks and orienting them to their new environment before releasing.
If you find a suitable new home and caretaker committed to providing for the lifelong care of a feral colony, Cedar Key TNR may assist you with the process. We`ll conduct an assessment of the new location to ensure the cats can be safely relocated before committing resources to the project.
FACTS
A fertile cat can produce 3 litters in one year with an average of 4-6 kittens per litter. 71% of cats and kittens and 56% of dogs and puppies entering U.S. animal shelters are killed.
National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy Shelter Statistics Survey (1997 data)
30% of animals surrendered to U.S. shelters are purebred.
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science Volume 1, Number 3, page 213
It costs U.S. taxpayers an estimated $2 billion each year to round up, house, kill, and dispose of homeless animals. 55% of dogs and 47% of cats surrendered to U.S. shelters aren`t spayed or neutered.
This is my wish list for much needed supplies and volunteer assistance:
1. Dry cat food
2. Wet cat food
3. Equine Pine (found at Tractor Supply) we use this for cat litter
4. Wood Supplies for building enclosures and cat climbing
5. Paper Towels
6. Clean old towels and sheets
7. Advantage or Frontline Plus for dogs (we dose them down for cat use)
8. Bleach
9. Tarps for our enclosures
10. Volunteers to spend time socializing kittens and cats
11. Volunteers to help with cleanup and disinfecting cat areas
12. Volunteers to help with trapping and after surgical care and cleanup
We have many beautiful and very sweet cats and kittens up for adoption to qualified loving homes. Please contact us to if you are looking to adopt or just want to see what we do for the Cedar Key community.
Sincerely and Most Respectfully,
Doreen Bauer
543-8083 for questions or possible assistance | 
