"Together we can not do everything. Together we can do something."
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Offering low cost veterinary services as well as a food bank program for qualifying individuals. Located in Livonia.
Offering TNR services along with low cost veterinary services. Locations in Detroit, Warren and Flint.
Offering TNR services along with low cost veterinary services. Located in Taylor.
501c3 Non profit organization assisting in the surgical cost of spaying or neutering a cat or dog for Michigan residents that receive state or federal aid. Note: Community spay/neuter assistance for residents in the Berrien,
Cass, Van Buren, Calhoun, Barry, Allegan, St. Joseph, and Branch Counties
Michigan. Spay Neuter Assistance Program will provide assistance to residents
who rely on state or federal assistance.
Offering TNR services along with low cost veterinary services. Located in China.
We choose to use the word community cats over using the term "feral cat". We believe "feral" should be used to describe sort of a temperament instead of a cat's living status. There are community cats who are or were at one time domesticated. They do not fear humans and usually have been abandoned by their owners and some are just displaced. That being said there are however many community cats who are in fact "feral" whom do fear humans and attempting domestication would not be humane. The solution used to be to euthanize these cats until T.N.R began to spread across the country.
Community cats live in colonies of all sizes and in many different areas. Once the colony has been through the T.N.R process any nuisances experienced prior will be minimal if not completely go away. Their shelter is simple and can be designed to be stylish if the situation needed it. Organizations are available to help with food all across the country. There really is no reason not to give these poor souls a better life.
The TNR process (click here for our version of the process) itself is rather simple. First become familiar with the operations of the clinic/vet/provider you will be using for sterilizing. By knowing their practices and procedures you will easily be able to plan your moves. See resource list to the left if you are looking for a veterinarian.
You begin by establishing a feeding pattern. The purpose of this is to establish a routine location and this will also allow you to observe (from a distance - we just sit in our cars with a notepad and camera). You should be observing for any injuries or illness along with the number of cats coming to eat. More then likely there are more cats then you are aware of so you will get a better count as to how many are residing in the area also.
It is possible this may be the only time a community cat will be seen by a veterinarian so any concerns or issues should be addressed when they go in for sterilizing. The vet will be able to thoroughly examine the cat while they are sedated without any issues.
Note: In our experiences if the injury or concern becomes a quality of life issue or impacts their ability to survive without suffering, the vet will give us a call while the cat is sedated so a decision can be made. Quality of life is a very important thing to remember if the cat is of a feral temperament. There is a chance you may never get that cat into a trap again. While TNR is to prevent unnecessary deaths of innocent cats it is not meant to save a life only to cause suffering. Your best interest should always lay with what is best for the cat.
The process time depends on the number of cats needing a " once in a lifetime makeover". Cats only receiving sterilization generally need a total hold time of 3 days. Instances where medication or longer recovery time is needed can arise so it is best to prepare for that as well. You can read here about our experiences and advise on longer term care.
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Some TNR programs include a rabies vaccine along with offering other vaccines, preventatives and testing. Most programs clip the tip of the left eat to indicate the animal has been sterilized. This is done so it is visible to one when simply looking at the cat.
Note: Some programs have take "notches" out of the tip of the ear instead of a straight clipping. Not every cat with a clipped or "notchy" ear is sterilized. Ears are prone to frostbite and can be scarred from fighting or running around their environment. A TNR clip or "notch" is a clean cut without any jagged edges. If we are in doubt we take them in so we can ensure everyone gets a "once in a lifetime makeover".
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We always provide suitable shelters and fresh food and water daily. From this point we do our best to continue observe our new friends. We observe their overall health/body condition. If ever needed securing and taking into the veterinarian (if possible). You will also be observant of any newcoemers that woould need a "once in a lifetime makeover". Sometimes community cats only allow observation (and sometimes from a distance) but many times over time trust builds and one day there they are rubbing your ankles. NEW FRIENDS ARE THE BEST!
Shelter/ground maintenance is required sometimes and besides feeding and observing your pretty much all done! Check out our resources for help with shelters. You can see some of our shelters here too! Simple and easy to make and maintain. We are always collecting items to make shelters and are always willing to provide shelter for anyone in need if we have some to give.