Feral Cat Resources

HOW-TO BASICS

How to Create a Grassroots Community Program to Help Feral Cats (.pdf)
This comprehensive manual from Alley Cat Allies is a blueprint for creating a successful program to help feral cats and motivating people in your community to support the project. Includes samples of promotional posters, press releases and necessary forms.

Caring for Feral Cats (.pdf)
A simple guide to caring for feral cats in your neighborhood: why trap/neuter/return works; how to obtain low-cost surgeries; the trapping and release process; and ongoing care.

Compassion Is The Way: The Care and Feeding of Feral Cats (.pdf)
This 19-page manual, by Nathan Winograd of Tompkins County SPCA, walks you through how to start a program to help feral cats in your community.

A Few Neutered Cats (.pdf)
This brief resource offers five ways to raise just enough money to get a feral cat colony spayed and neutered.

HEALTH & MEDICAL

Feral Cat Q&A for Veterinarians (.pdf)
A two-page brochure by Dr. Brenda Griffin, DVM written for other veterinarians. Provides all-purpose answers to basic questions about feral cats, TNR, spay, neuter and caring for ferals.

Feral Cat and Spay/Neuter Videos (.pdf)
Provides information and a form for ordering two videos produced by Dr. Brenda Griffin and the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University. The videos are titled "Working with Feral Cats in Practice" and "Promoting Pet Health and the Human-Animal Bond Through Spay/Neuter Counseling."

70% Spay/Neuter Threshold (.pdf)
Street dog and feral cat sterilization and vaccination efforts must get 70% or flunk. Article by Merritt Clifton from ANIMAL PEOPLE, October 2002.

PUBLIC POLICY

Playing God
If you've ever helped take care of a group of feral cats in your neighborhood, you know that it can be one of life's truly rewarding experiences. Best Friends Magazine editorial by Michael Mountain, January 2001 issue.

Blaming the Victims (.pdf)
Cats have always been an easy scapegoat. The SARS epidemic and ban on feral cats in Florida are only two recent examples. Blaming animals is not going to solve our problems. An editorial by Michael Mountain.

Living in the Gray Zone (.pdf)
Why feral cats are becoming the scapegoat of choice for the damage that people are doing to the environment. An article from the Best Friends magazine.

Against Mandatory Cat Licensing (.pdf)
This position statement of the San Francisco SPCA explains the detrimental effects of cat licensing.

The Fight Over Ferals: Part One
Many cities are now promoting trap/neuter/return as the right kind of care for ferals. Surprisingly, some of the nation's largest humane organizations advocate killing them. Part One of our Special Feature on Ferals.
The Fight Over Ferals: Part Two

TNR's Role in Achieving No-Kill: Extending the Circle of Compassion (.pdf)
Read Ed Boks' impassioned speech given at the first International Feral Cat Summit in New York City on National Feral Cat Day, October 16, 2004.

WEBSITE LINKS

Alley Cat Allies: Fact sheets, public policy information, action alerts, informational videos, and more from the national clearinghouse for feral cat information.

FORUM TRANSCRIPTS

What Do You Say When They Just Want The Cats Gone?: Becky Robinson, national director of Alley Cat Allies, talks about ways to get your elected officials, animal control and neighbors on your side. 

Ferals, ferals, everywhere, and not sure what to do? Nathan Winograd of Tompkins County SPCA

Working With and Caring For Feral Cats: Zoe Carson of Alley Cat Allies shares down-to-earth advice and resources.

View list of previous forum topics and complete transcripts in No More Homeless Pets forum archive.