Helping the Cats in Montclair
For a number of years, Montclair has been experiencing the same problem that exists all over the United States: a large number of feral cats. Feral cats are those who live outdoors and have to some extent reverted to a wild state. They tend to be fearful of humans and keep their distance unless the person is someone they have come to know and trust. These cats were originally lost or abandoned domestic cats or they may be their offspring who have never lived with humans in a home. These cats have learned to live outdoors where they have little human contact, except that they depend on people for their food. In some cases, people are regularly leaving food out for them, and in other cases the cats are relying on food from a dumpster or other disposal area. Most of these cats live in "colonies" where they share territory and a food source.
What had been happening in Montclair prior to the institution of a TNR program was that feral cats were giving birth to litters of kittens all over town. Either these litters were taken to PAWS Animal Shelter when there was room or they were left out to continue breeding and adding to the number of cats living on the streets. The PAWS Animal Shelter, especially in the spring time, was normally bursting with kittens. Without a method of stopping the endless supply of cats and kittens, there was a never-ending cycle of euthanasia (killing) PLUS more cats living out of dumpsters and sewers. It was a sad picture and led residents to complain to both PAWS and the Health Department.
TNR is the only proven effective and humane method for reducing the feral cat population.
The Montclair TNR program began in October of 2004, and as of January 2006, 155 cats have been humanely trapped. We have spayed and neutered a total of 95 cats, including 52 female cats, which in turn prevented the potential births of more than 240 kittens and their subsequent offspring! The kittens that were trapped were adopted directly to homes or taken to PAWS for adoption, and many of them have already found loving homes. The adult cats returned to their colonies are fed on a daily basis and are provided with shelter. This program has met with enthusiastic approval by residents of Montclair!
This TNR program is funded completely by your tax-deductible donations. Please continue to help. We are working to get every cat in Montclair spayed or neutered and all of the people working in the program are volunteers. 100% of your donation goes to pay for the spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations. We keep the cost of the surgeries as low as possible, and we take advantage of all low-cost spay/neuter clinics in the area and also rely on local vets who help out with reduced prices for this program. To make a donation, please visit
http://www.sheltershowcase.com/donate/donateframe.htm