TNR is a process that involves trapping feral cats, spaying or neutering them, vaccinating them, and returning them to their original location. For more information, see our What is TNR? page.

Stray cats are domestic cats that have become lost or have been abandoned. They may have been socialized with humans before, and may be more comfortable around people than feral cats. Stray cats can often be reunited with their owners or adopted into new homes.

Feral cats, on the other hand, are cats that have not been socialized with humans and are not suitable for adoption. Feral cats may have been born in the wild or have reverted to a wild state after being abandoned. They tend to be fearful of humans and may exhibit aggressive or defensive behavior if approached.

At Feral Cats Advocacy, we believe in the importance of keeping cats in their original location whenever possible. This is why our primary focus is on trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs, which involve spaying or neutering feral cats and returning them to their original location. However, in cases where it is not safe to return cats to their colony, we may work with partners to relocate them to a barn situation, where shelter and food are provided. This decision is not made lightly, and is only considered when there is imminent danger to the cats, such as threats of physical harm from people. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the health and safety of all cats, while also promoting their humane treatment and well-being.

If you find feral kittens on your property, it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some steps you can take:

Observe from a distance: Before taking any action, it's important to observe the kittens from a safe distance to determine their age, health, and behavior. Feral kittens should only be moved if it’s determined that they are in distress and their mother is no longer caring for them.

Contact a local animal rescue organization: Once you have observed the kittens, contact a local animal rescue organization for assistance. They can help you trap the kittens when they reach the appropriate age and provide them with the necessary care, including vaccinations, medical treatment, and socialization. They may also have resources for finding homes for the kittens once they are ready for adoption.

Provide food and water: While waiting for assistance, you can provide food and water to the kittens and their mother. However, it's important to use caution and not approach them too closely. Place food and water in a quiet area near where the kittens are located.

Keep your pets away: If you have pets, it's important to keep them away from the area where the kittens are located to avoid any potential conflicts.

Remember, feral kittens require specialized care and handling, so it's important to contact a professional for assistance rather than trying to handle them on your own. Removing young kittens from the care of their mother when they are too young and fragile to thrive can have deadly consequences.

Refer to these other excellent resources for additional information:

The Kitten Lady shares the CASA Method and what to do if you find a kitten outside.

Alley Cat Allies shares their Leave Them Be initiative to insure that kittens stay with their mothers until they are old enough to be weaned (6-8 weeks).

If you are physically able and have the financial means, SNYP Spay/Neuter Clinic, located in Talent, Oregon, provides education and services for trapping, neutering and returning feral cats to their original location.

The $25 feral cat package includes spay or neuter surgery, distemper (FVRCP combo) vaccination, flea and ear mite treatment and a mandatory ear tip to indicate that the cat has been fixed

Appointments are limited and must be scheduled in advance. SNYP’s Community Cats page has all the information you’ll need to get started.

Complete our Spay-Neuter and Trap Application, so we can assess if we’re able to help.

While our primary focus at Feral Cats Advocacy is on promoting the humane control of feral cat populations through trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs, we understand that there may be situations where owners are unable to care for their cats and need to surrender them. On occasion, we may be able to take in owner-surrendered cats, but it is important to note that we are a foster-based organization and have limited capacity. This means that our ability to take in owner-surrendered cats is dependent on the availability of our foster homes at any given time. If you need to surrender your cat, we encourage you to reach out to local animal shelters and rescue organizations in addition to contacting us, as they may have more resources available to help. We appreciate your understanding of our limitations and our commitment to prioritizing the needs of the feral cat population through our TNR programs.

We appreciate your interest in supporting Feral Cats Advocacy and our mission to promote the health and well-being of community cats and kittens in Jackson County. There are many ways you can help us make a difference in the lives of cats in our community.

One way to get involved is by helping to promote trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs in your local community. If you know of feral cat colonies in your area, you can connect with us to learn more about how to conduct TNR and help to reduce the population of feral cats. You can also help to spread awareness about TNR and the importance of spaying and neutering cats to prevent overpopulation.

Another way to support us is by becoming a foster home for cats and kittens in need. As a foster-based organization, we rely on the generosity of individuals who are willing to provide temporary homes for cats and kittens until they are ready for adoption. This is a great way to make a direct impact on the lives of cats in need.

If you are not able to foster, you can still help by adopting a cat or kitten from Feral Cats Advocacy when you are ready to add a furry friend to your family. Every adoption helps us to provide care for more cats and kittens in need.

Finally, we greatly appreciate any donations you are able to make to help us continue our work. Donations of any amount help us to provide food, medical care, and other essential resources to the cats and kittens in our care. You can also donate supplies like food, litter, and toys to help us meet the needs of the cats in our foster homes.

Thank you for your interest in supporting Feral Cats Advocacy. We are grateful for your support and dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of cats and kittens in Jackson County.