Feral cats are undomesticated outdoor cats that live in groups called colonies, which form near places of food and shelter. Like all wild animals, feral cats strive to avoid contact with humans. Removal of feral cats is an ineffective method for attempting to create a cat-free area. Because of a phenomenon known as the “vacuum effect,” new cats would enter and settle in the territory of the removed cats, since the colony location is a source of food and shelter.
The most humane and effective way to control feral cat populations is through an internationally recognized program called Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR). Controlling feral cats’ ability to reproduce decreases the population in your neighborhood and prevents disease from spreading. Because TNVR is less expensive than removing and euthanizing feral cats, TNVR saves taxpayers money while saving cats’ lives at the same time. Here’s how it works:
