Our community should know that Trap-Neuter-Return for feral cats is a win for the cats and their human neighbors. Trap-Neuter-Return improves the lives of the cats and calms the neighbors. Animal control’s traditional method, catch and kill, is cruel, endless, and costly. Trap-Neuter-Return makes feral cats healthier and ends the breeding cycle, which means no more kittens. It also ends a lot of common behaviors associated with outdoor cats. Yowling, fighting, spraying and roaming—all of these are mating behaviors that stop once a cat is neutered.

A managed Trap-Neuter-Return program, with a set feeding area and schedule, further discourages roaming. Simple home remedies—citrus peels, decorative rocks or chicken wire—deter cats from digging in gardens. There are also a few useful commercial products available at most pet shops that humanely deter cats from areas like gardens and porches.

Outdoor cats have been part of our landscape for thousands of years and always will be. Compassionate and effective solutions to help cats and communities coexist peacefully are readily available. I urge you to visit www.alleycat.org for more information.