Q. I know Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) is supposed to be humane, but I worry about feral cats when they’re returned to the wild. How do they survive?
A. Understand that feral cats don’t thrive in the same situations that pets do. They've had limited to no human contact. They are very fearful of humans and that just isn’t going to change after they're more than six weeks old. The most compassionate thing you can do for ferals is to trap, vaccinate, sterilize and put them back in their familiar surroundings.
Whatever you do though, take care of them. Feral cats do depend on kind caretakers for a consistent source of food, water and shelter, along with veterinary care if they need it.
You may be concerned about your feral cats contracting one of the three major feline viral diseases: feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus or feline infectious peritonitis. You’ll be relieved to know that studies find no increased incidence of these diseases in feral cat populations over domestic cat populations.
Plus, ferals fare much better after they've been altered. Once they are no longer searching for a mate, ferals tend to wander less and are less likely to fight and sustain injuries. They also don’t have to worry about pregnancy and nursing, which are very hard on female cats.
So, continue on with your TNR plans with confidence and practice responsible stewardship of your colonies. Your ferals should enjoy a pleasurable existence in a place they call home, while chasing butterflies and lying in the sun.
Do you have a question about feral cats in your neighborhood? Send your question to jmiklas@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.