Facts

The Sterile Feral Foundation

Myth: Feral cats spread feline diseases.

The Facts: Studies have proven that the incidence of feline disease is no higher in feral cats than in tame cats. Sterilization reduces the fighting behavior that causes the spread of many diseases.

Myth: Feral cat colonies will contribute to the decrease in songbird populations.

The Facts: Even though some cats can become efficient hunters and do kill birds, many international biologists agree with C. J. Mead that, “Any bird populations on the continents that could not withstand these levels of predation from cats and other predators would have disappeared long ago.” Numerous studies have shown that loss or poisoning of habitat & food sources due to the effects of deforestation, urban sprawl, large shopping complexes and industrial parks, landscaping, lawn care & farming pesticides & herbicides, and pollution have had the most serious impacts on song bird populations.

Myth: Community TNR programs won’t work because there aren’t enough volunteers available and volunteers are not reliable in the long-term.

The Facts: As many as 1 in 5 households feed stray or feral cats. This is a vast source of current & potential volunteers for TNR programs. Feral cat caretakers develop strong and long-lasting bonds with the cats they care for and most remain very committed to their colonies

What are “Feral” Cats?

While it would be wonderful if all cats lived in households where they are loved and cared for their entire lives, this is not the life many cats enjoy. Not all cats you find outside are the same. Some are feral, some strays, and many belong to someone.

- A feral cat is usually elusive and fearful of human contact, instinctively fleeing when strangers approach. Contrary to common beliefs, feral cats usually appear well groomed.

- A stray cat may approach people to seek food or care, but may also avoid human contact. Strays once belonged to someone, but were either lost or abandoned. Many were de-clawed as pets, leaving them particularly unfit to survive on their own. They may be starving as a result and may appear weak, sick, or unkempt.

- Many people allow their pet cats to roam freely outside. Other cats are viewed as “working cats” in barns and other places as a means of rodent control. Some of these cats may be spayed or neutered, but too frequently they aren’t and will freely engage in mating activities, thus adding to the numbers of homeless cats.

The Problem

Left to their own, these un-sterilized feral and stray cats spend the majority of their time mating, fighting, roaming, and scrounging for food. Many will die of the hazards of life on the street including exposure to the elements and starvation. Half of all kittens born will die shortly after birth, but the population still grows quickly.

If the cats are removed from their territory for relocation or extermination, new cats will move into the area, attracted by the same food source that attracted the original cats. The new cats will simply begin the breeding process all over again.

The Solution

Implement the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method of feral cat population control. With TNR the cats are humanely trapped, then spayed or neutered. During the veterinary visit the cats will also be vaccinated for rabies and distemper and their general health evaluated. The animals are then returned to the colony location where they are provided with food, water, and shelter by caretakers.

TNR will cause the population to stabilize. No new kittens will be born and few, if any, new cats will be permitted to invade the established territory of the colony cats.

What is Being Done in Central Illinois?

The Sterile Feral Foundation is the only nonprofit group in the McLean county area that is dedicated to helping feral cats and the communities they live in.

· Sterile Feral volunteers work with community members to educate and train others on how to implement TNR to humanely manage the feral cat population in their area.

· Sterile Feral volunteers humanely trap the cats and transport them to a local veterinarian. The animals are sterilized and vaccinated before being released back into their colony. Our registered colony managers oversee the daily provision of food, water, and shelter for the cats. With our help the feral cat population stabilizes and the colony cats live longer, healthier lives.

· Sterile Feral volunteers partner with other animal welfare organizations, both locally, and across the country to find the best ways to help feral cats and provide the most up to date and accurate information available to the community.