FERAL CATS / HARBOUR CATS AND THE T.N.R. (TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN) SYSTEM IN MOSSEL BAY

In a T.N.R. program consistency is key. The caregiver feeds the colony regularly and in a specific way, creating a routine in which all cats can be monitored. They are fed dry food, once daily. When it is time for trapping, wet food is used as an incentive. We truly appreciate that community members try to help by feeding the cats randomly and giving them all kinds of ‘wet food’. Unfortunately this creates problems with the management of the colony as well as with the municipality.

Often, the public puts down food that the cats will not eat, which creates a stinky mess that hinders our feeding program and also garners negative attention and reprimands from surrounding homes, businesses and the municipality. It is a delicate balance. We ask that anyone wanting to assist please contact us to either volunteer in an appropriate manner or donate the food, which we can then incorporate into feeding.

When we started this journey we took over an out of control feral population that were already food dependant. Over the years we have worked tirelessly to correct this and we can say with certainly that we are succeeding. Our colonies are healthy, 80% of our colonies are sterilized, and we have brought the numbers down significantly over the last five years from around 500 to approximately 200 cats.

For more information on what we do, how to help or if you would like to make a donation please contact us via our Facebook or email feralcatassist@gmail.com

Call Gean on 0824050568.

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