Feral Cat Control

Feral Cat Control Methods

TNR (trap, neuter, and return) is the most humane way to control feral cats. This method involves trapping the animal and having it spayed/neutered and vaccinated against rabies and distemper. The cat is then returned to its colony with a clip in its left ear to show that it is sterile.

The Problems Surrounding Feral Cats

Feral cats are a health risk for people and other animals. They are ferocious wild animals that claw and bite their prey. The cats generally have fleas and ticks that carry and spread both fatal and nonfatal diseases and parasites. Common diseases spread by feral cats include: ringworm, parasitic worms, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia, toxoplasmosis (a parasitic disease dangerous to pregnant women and babies), cat scratch fever, and rabies.

Setting the Trap

Place the trap where you see the feral cat most often. Place newspaper on the inside bottom of the trap since cats don’t like to walk on the metal surface. Bait the cat with something smelly such as canned mackerel or tuna, and place it on the cage trip. Camouflage the top of the cage with branches, leaves, or a towel so the trap looks like a natural part of the environment.