Why is TNR important? Stray cats are everywhere. You don't have to look beyond your back yard to see stray cats. In rural areas, it is an ever present problem. And many of these cats are feral- they have been born in the "wild" and have never been handled, and so are more like wild animals than domesticated pets. They starve, they are hunted, they are shot, they are trapped, they get sick, suffer and die. They need our help to stop reproducing, and eventually this will help to solve the overpopulation.
Who is involved? Cat lovers (like you!) volunteer their time to trap, transport, identify and document, tranquilize, perform surgical prep, vaccinate, deworm, anesthetize, neuter/spay, monitor recovery, and release. There are volunteer opportunities even if you don't have experience in this type of work. Trained veterinary volunteers perform the "technical" duties, but most of the pre- and post- surgery work is done by lay-people.
Where can you find a TNR group nearby?
Cats Anonymous is located in Green Bay: http://catsanonymous.org/
Wish TNR is located in Neenah: http://wishuponapaw.org/tnr/ Fox Valley Humane is located outside of Appleton: http://www.foxvalleypets.org/Services/TNR_Program.aspx
How can you help? Consider giving of your time. It's a fun way to spend time doing good, surrounded by like-minded cat fanciers. Or donate money. All of these TNR groups function on donations only. Although everyone volunteers their time, drugs and supplies and equipment are expensive. Donate supplies. Become a "Colony Caretaker". Talk to someone you know that has a colony of cats that need spaying/neutering. Spread the word about the advantages of TNR. Attend a fund-raiser for a TNR group.I have volunteered with Cats Anonymous several times in 2012,, and found it very rewarding. I have met some great people through CA. They are a great organization with an amazingly committed group of people from all walks of life. We join together with one goal in mind -giving feral cats the help they need.
I will be helping out in 2013, will you?
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Dr. Maureen Flatley
Fox Valley Cat Clinic LLC
