Feral Cats- A feral cat is a cat that has never been socialized to humans and is technically a wild animal. The belief that cats can survive in the wild and "take care of themselves" is a myth- cats are still domestic animals and need our help to stay healthy, and since animals will always be a part of our community, keeping them healthy is the best solution for everyone.
Denver has a growing cat overpopulation problem. The Denver Animal Shelter has been at capacity for felines many times this year and the Shelter has been forced to euthanize healthy cats because of space issues. Even with adoption rates rising, cat overpopulation is still a problem that results in thousands of euthanasia a year accross the state.
Trap-neuter-return (TNR) is hoped to be an answer to the cat overpopulation problem. Rocky Mountain Alley Cat Alliance (RMACA) is one of the organizations at the forefront of this effort. According to their website “TNR was designed as a humane means to stop feral cat colonies from continuing to reproduce by humanely trapping feral cats, spaying/neutering them, and returning them to their home territories.” At their office (2600 West 2nd Avenue) RMACA charges a low rate of twenty dollars to spay/neuter and vaccinate feral cats that are brought in.
Trap/neuter/return programs have been proven to be the most reliable method of reducing feral cat populations with low cost. Spayed and neutered cats enjoy a more comfortable existence free of the loud, annoying, sometimes dangerous mating behaviors. Learn more about how you can help combat the Denver cat overpopulation by visiting RMACA website at http://www.rmaca.org/reservations/. On the site RMACA has provided trapping instructions and more information about feral cats.