More than thirty years of documented proof shows that trap-and-kill methods have no lasting effect on reducing feral cat populations. Trap and kill is simply ineffective, expensive and cruel. If all the cats are not caught, then the ones left behind over breed until the former population level is reached. Even if all the cats are removed, new un-neutered cats move in to take advantage of whatever food source is available. Once there, they breed prolifically, quickly populating a new colony with descendants that are more cautious and more disease-resistant. This "vacuum effect" is very well-documented. Therefore the trap/kill effort becomes increasingly unproductive in the effort to reduce numbers.

Trap/Neuter/Return, commonly referred to as "TNR," is the only method proven to be humane and effective at controlling the feral cat population. Using this technique, all the feral cats in a colony are trapped, neutered and then returned to their territory.

A feral cat management plan, such as the one promoted by CARA, has a dramatic impact on solving neighbourhood feral cat problems. The Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method has shown to be enormously successful in reducing cat populations, at the same time it also offers the cat's peaceful lives in their territories. In the end, everyone benefits: cats, wildlife, and people. It is effective, responsible and humane. The breeding stops and populations are gradually reduced. Nuisance behaviours associated with mating and breeding, such as calling and fighting, are virtually eliminated.

TNR recognizes there is a balance in our urban society, one that includes feral cats. We would be over run with rats and cockroaches if it wasn't for the cats. TNR is a movement that will hopefully continue to grow as more and more people see that it works.

The places listed below are following the T/N/R programme.

MAKATI
Dasmarinas village
Forbes Park village
Bel Air village
San Lorenzo village

Fort Bonifacio Development

We encourage all villages, clubs and areas to use this humane approach to controlling their cat population. We hope to make this list a lot longer in years to come when people realise, there is a humane way to control the cat population.

SETTING UP TNR IN YOUR AREA

Please read this detailed information:

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING POINTS:

1. Get support - try to form a TNR group consisting of like minded cat lovers; it is much easier working in a team. CARA can help you with the initial training and will always be on hand for advice.

2. Associations backing - approach your association, show them this information and see if they are interested in financially backing the project. Unfortunately most associations do not see the long term benefits, they just see expenses.

3. Costs - there are initial set up costs and ongoing running costs.

Bowls for food and water

Old blankets/towels (to cover cages)

Food for cats in recovery

Spay and neuter fee (P700 for females & P500 for males).

4. Fundraising - Ideally the costs should be covered by the association. If the association will not help, then another source of funds has to be found. It is then time to get creative and think of ways to raise money.

Approach residents; it is going to benefit them if you trap outside their houses, no more cats howling in the night. Hold a fund-raising event. Get sponsorship.