TNR: Be Part of the Solution
Welcome to our compassionate community dedicated to the Feral cats of Cascade Locks, Oregon. Our passionate team volunteers to TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) Feral cats and help them get fast medical treatment in cases of emergencies.
Together, we can create a brighter future for our furry friends by ensuring they live happy, safe, and fulfilling lives.
Your generosity means the world to us. Thank you.
FAQs
What is the point of TNR
Feral cats can easily overpopulate areas. For stray and feral cats, this means increased stress, malnutrition, and a higher risk of contracting and spreading diseases like FeLV, FIV, and FIP. For humans, it can pose a public health risk from diseases like rabies, while also contributing to public costs for animal control and mitigation. Overpopulation can also negatively impact the environment through increased predation on wild birds and other native animals.
When we TNR, overpopulation is controlled and feral cats become positive contributors to the area by controlling pest and rodent populations using a natural, pesticide-free method, which benefits our community and public health. When neutered, they also become less anxious and less territorial, so they’re able to live in community with humans rather than in fear.
Do you trap feral cats for free?
Yes and no. We have a suggested donation of $65 for each feral cat we TNR from your property. If you are unable to afford this, we can still work with you. We apply for grants to be able to support feral cats when landowners/renters cannot afford to contribute. Please reach out to us so we can obtain more information and share available options with you.
Where does my donation go?
Great question! Your donation is used in four ways:
TNR
It costs roughly $65 to TNR each cat. $50 of that is for veterinary services (this includes anesthesia, vaccines, neutering, treating ear mites, and tending to minor injuries). The other $15 is for the costs of transportation, food, trap repair and maintenance, and laundering towels and blankets used to keep the cats warm while they recover after surgery.
Temporary Housing
After the feral cats have been neutered, we monitor them for 24-72 hours to ensure the anesthesia wears off, their stitches are intact, and they’re safe. This is done in a private room so they stay calm and undisturbed. When they’re monitored, they receive meals, fresh water, and heating pads if it is winter.
Emergency Care
Things happen. A cat may get hit by a car, in a bad fight, or eat something poisonous. While these cats are feral, they don’t deserve to suffer. Injured cats are trapped and taken to a vet for immediate assessment and care.
Education and Conservation
Community education isn’t just about making sure people know we’re here. We help people build knowledge so they know how they can help feral cats too.
We also document that feral cats we trap so we can keep an eye on them throughout their life and help when emergencies arise.
Can you come trap a cat I see on my (or a neighboring) property?
We work directly with a number of businesses in Cascade Locks to trap feral cats on their property. But can we come trap on private residential property?
That depends…
Due to our small team, it is best if you can help. Start feeding the feral cat so that they begin to understand you’re a reliable source of food. After a few weeks of feeding them, contact us. We can schedule a day for them to be TNR’d. We will lend you a trap and show you how to use it. (If you aren’t able to assist in the trapping, we will require written consent to go onto your property to set the trap.) Once the feral cat is trapped, we’ll get them neutered and then release them back where we trapped them within 72 hours. We are not able to release them anywhere else - it MUST be the same location where we trap them. The point of TNR is to return the cat to the place they know best. Once they’re released, it’s best if you feed them for at least a couple more weeks to monitor their healing and notify us of any potential problems.
*Please note: each trap set on private residential properties require a $50 deposit. This will be returned to you once the trap is returned to us, or the $50 can be donated to us to help us pay for more TNR services. If you donate, we will write you a receipt for tax purposes.