Feral and Stray Cat Management
Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) is a proven humane method for feral (wild) and stray cat population control. These cats are often referred to as "Community" Cats because they are a product of irresponsible pet owners in the community. An abandoned domestic cat that is not already spayed or netuered will produce kittens that will become feral. Feral cats colonies can survive anywhere there is a food source. Feeding them is the first step to controlling the population. The next step is trapping them so that they can be sterilized and vaccinated. The rate of disease in feral cats is the same as for domestic cats. Rabies is not a threat for feral cats in SW Florida. Feral cats act like any other wild animal, totally nocturnal, usually silent and they are normally clean and sleek. Stray cats are visible during the day, are vocal and are dirty and hungry.
Once the cats are spayed and neutered, the pulbic nuisance issues of overpopulation, territory marking, fighting, predation and aggressive behavior cease. Controlled feral cat colonies must be managed by a caregiver who provides daily food and water. A colony of controlled feral cats can be a benefit to the community by providing free pest control for rats, mice and other vermin that carry diseases that could affect the wellbeing of the human community. Collier County has a TNR ordinance in place and is in full support of community members that are trapping and fixing feral and stray cats in their community.
TNR is the centerpiece of our mission. We offer resources to residents of Collier County who are willing to trap and transport cats to local veterinarians for surgery and vaccines. Please visit us at the Petsmart store on Pine Ridge Road in Naples on Saturdays from 10-3 to discuss your needs.
HOW TO HELP FERAL AND STRAY CATS
Feed the cat(s) every day at the same time and place
Feeding Location and Time-
Locate the bowls of food and water in a protected area that is out of sight from public view. You do not want anyone doing harm to the cats. Feed just after dark or very early in the morning so no one sees you. If ants get into the food, buy “food grade diatomaceous earth” from the feed store (or online at www.dirtworks.com) and sprinkle on the ground around the area. It will kill the ants but will not be harmful to the cats.
You can make an affordable covered feeding station/shelter for the cats by buying a large 4 foot Rubbermaid container from Home Depot. Take the lid off (use the lid for something else), turn it upside down, cut out both of the ends and use 2 bungee cords to strap it to a wooden shipping pallet (can be acquired from grocery stores and other business, usually for free).
Trap, neuter and return (TNR) them to the same place- FERAL CATS CANNOT BE RELOCATED
Sterilizing the cat affordably-
Call the Collier Spay Neuter Clinic at 239-514-7647
Getting a trap-
Borrow a trap from Domestic Animal Services on Davis Road in Naples (deposit required) or the Collier Spay/Neuter Clinic on Immokolee Rd 239-514-7647
Buy a trap from Lowes or Tractor Supply (Havahart #1079) for approx. $50.00
Trapping the cat-
Call the Clinic to make sure they can take the cat on the morning you plan to have your cat in the trap
Locate the trap where you feed. Cover the back, top and sides of the trap with a towel to make it more appealing. If the trap is near sprinklers, cover the trap with a black garbage bag first and overlay the bag with a towel.
Put the trap out just after dusk and check on it during the night if you can. Otherwise, check early in the morning before anyone knows it is there
If you have the cat in the trap, cover the trap completely with towels to calm the cat down.
Cover the back seat of your car with garbage bags and transport the cat to the Clinic ASAP. Be prepared to pick the cat up the next morning.
After you pick up the sterilized cat from the vet, put newspaper down on the floor of your garage and put the towel covered trap on the newspaper overnight
Bring the covered trap back to your feeding location early the next morning and release the cat.
The cat may disappear for several days but will be back to resume normal activities
Continue to feed and care for the cats