TNR Handbook - Neighborhood Cats

The Neighborhood Cats TNR Handbook
it’s possible for new cats to move into the vacuum created by the removal of the original
cats. You don’t want to go through this process all over again!
For more tips and guidelines on the relocation process, go to the Resource Center on
the Alley Cat Allies website (www.alleycat.org) and look up the fact sheet entitled, “Safe
Relocation for Feral Cats.”
• Sanctuaries
Finding a good sanctuary can be harder than doing a successful relocation. The
problem is clear: there are millions of feral cats and only a handful of well-run,
trustworthy sanctuaries. It is quite difficult to find space in one for even a single feral
cat, let alone an entire colony.
To place an animal in anything less than a good sanctuary would be irresponsible.
Unfortunately, poorly run “sanctuaries” are abundant. They tend to be inadequate in
terms of staff, space, nutrition, finances and caring. There are also, even more sadly,
groups and individuals who pretend to have sanctuaries and lie to people desperate to find
a place for ferals. They take donations for the cats and then kill them or warehouse them
in horrible conditions.
Just as in a relocation, the only way you can ensure the cats in your care are going to
a good place and not to a horror show is to investigate the sanctuary yourself. You
should not take anybody’s word for it, no matter how reliable you think that person is.
As the person responsible for the lives of the cats, it’s up to you to exercise your own
independent judgment.
Most importantly, you should personally visit the facility to make an on-site
inspection, preferably before you bring the cats. While you’re there, ask lots of questions
– if a place is well run, the owners will be happy to tell you anything you want to know.
If the owner appears to resent your questions or gives less than full answers, take this as a
strong sign it’s not going to be a good home for your cats.
Here’s what you need to find out about the underlying legal and financial condition of
the sanctuary:
1) Is the facility operating legally? Is a license required by the town, county or state
for running a shelter or sanctuary? If so, do they have one and is it current? Ask to
see it and call the licensing authority to verify information you’re given. Also
important is whether the property is zoned for sheltering large numbers of animals. If
zoning is a problem or if a license is needed but missing, reject the place.
2) What kind of right does the sanctuary have to the land? Do they own or lease it?
If it’s owned, is there an outstanding mortgage? If it’s leased, how long is the term?
Does the lease allow for a sanctuary? Again, don’t be afraid to ask to see the
documentation. Cats can live to twenty years, and you need to know the sanctuary is
still going to be around for that long. If the lease runs out soon, what do the owners
plan to do with the animals?
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