Feral cats are known to live in the wild. But if you spot one, it implies the presence of other feral cats nearby because they live in colonies. However, if the number of colonies keeps increasing, it can create a risky situation for humans or other socialized animals like livestock and pets. From diseases to death, the possibilities are endless. Hence, it is crucial to control the number of feral cats.
One of the most effective ways that help keep the count of feral cats under control is the Trap-Neuter-Return program. It has significant benefits, like controlling the population of feral cats and keeping them healthy. It also allows humans to live peacefully in the vicinity.
If you are wondering whether the Trap-Neuter-Return program is ethical for feral cat management, keep reading the blog to know how it is.
How Trap-Neuter-Return Programs Came into Existence?
Feral cats have never been with or around humans. Hence, an encounter between them can end with the feral cat being injured or the human getting a few scars. The nature of a feral cat is generally hostile as they are used to living in the wild and protecting themselves is their first instinct.
Besides, their raging hormones are also one of the reasons that make them restless and react violently if surprised by a human approach. To control this, earlier people found a strategy that is Trap-and-Kill.
This approach was inhumane, so stopping it and finding better solutions was necessary. A better solution that came was Trap-Neuter-Return. In this program, feral cats are trapped, neutered, and returned to their habitat.
Neutering the feral cat leads to the cat not being to reproduce, hence halting the increase in the population.
Why is the Trap-Neuter-Return Program Ethical?
Besides being a humane way to control the feral cat population, it is also highly effective and convenient. Also, there are other crucial benefits of the Trap-Neuter-Return program for humans and feral felines.
Below are two primary reasons that show how Trap-Neuter-Return is more ethical.
Makes Feral Cats Healthy and Disease-Free
Neutering/spaying makes feral cats incapable of reproducing kittens. Thus, it helps both female and male ferals. Speaking about female feral cats, their body does not have to go through the heat cycle or pregnancy. The stress is no more there, and hence it improves their health.
Feral male cats no longer have raging hormones and hence do not go about howling and fighting with cats from the colony or other animals. There have been studies that show that neutering also helps in improving the coat of these feral cats and also helps in weight gain.
During the TNR program, they are vaccinated and protected from rabies and other infections. Due to this, they can live longer and healthier life.
Keeps the Growth of Feral Cat Colonies in Control
Once the neutering/spaying is done, a feral cat cannot get pregnant or give birth. Hence, no new birth of kittens ensures that no new feral cats are produced. The number is under control when there is no further addition to the existing colonies.
Eventually, it is also better for other feral cats in the territories. Neutering makes feral cats better neighbors, so their colonies also maintain harmony.
Is it Better for Humans to be Around a Neutered Feral Cat?
When a feral cat is neutered/spayed, they are no more hostile. Because of this, they can start reacting positively when colony management volunteers approach them.
Plus, feral cats no longer roam and enter human territory to find food; they now get it through colony management volunteers. Usually, these volunteers set up automatic food and water dispensers from where feral cats can easily have their meals. If you’re looking for a good-quality cat food dispenser, opt for the Pets Gravity Food and Water Dispenser Set. It enables cats to have fresh food and water whenever it wants.
Thus, all these things keep both humans and feral cats safe.
Conclusion
Feral cats are wired to be violent as they are born in the wild and learn to survive in challenging conditions by fighting back and protecting themselves. Through the TNR program, a feral cat can be tamed in a much safer way. Since it also benefits the wild cat’s health, it is a win-win situation for everyone while being ethical.
