Feral cat colonies are a growing problem and the problem grows larger with each litter of kittens born into a colony.
Because feral cats are not socialized with humans, they are not candidates for adoption. However, you can reduce the number of feral cats while increasing their quality of life through our Trap, Neuter and Return program. This program has proven to be the most efficient and humane way to stabilize a feral cat colony. The TNR program involves trapping the feral cats, neutering the cat and then returning the cat to the area where it was trapped. The Humane Society of Westchester has cat traps available to rent for people using this program, to safely and humanely trap feral cats.
Once you have scheduled an appointment, you will transport your trapped cat to us the morning of appointment in the trap. Feral cats will not be accepted for surgery in pet carriers. The feral cat will be spayed or neutered the same day and be ready for pick up later that day. We cannot house cats for the TNR program at the shelter. After a recovery period of one day for males and three days for females, you release the spayed/neutered feral back to the same area it was trapped from. It is critical that the spayed feral be RETURNED to the same area. Released to a familiar area insures the cat will know where to find shelter and food sources. Releasing a cat into an unfamiliar area will greatly decrease that cat’s chances of survival.
The cost of spay or neuter surgery for a feral cat is free for our contracted municipalities and $60 for those in other Westchester towns. Our limited appointments are largely filled by the 19 municipalities that we cover for Animal Control because the need is so great. The appointment includes the spay/neuter procedure, rabies vaccination and mandatory ear tipping (for identification purposes).
Please note that this program is for feral cats ONLY. We will not spay/neuter privately owned pets or cats from other rescues in this program. The Humane Society of Westchester has cat traps available to rent for people using this program, to safely and humanely trap feral cats. If you would like more information about our Trap Neuter and Return program, please contact us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I found a friendly cat outside that I want to keep as a pet or find a home for. Can I make a TNR appointment to have the cat sterilized and vaccinated?
A: The Humane Society of Westchester’s TNR program is only for feral cats that are not socialized to humans. If you have found a cat outside that you want to keep or find a home for, you must go to a private veterinarian or a low-cost vet clinic in the area.
Q: I trapped a feral cat for a TNR appointment at Humane Society of Westchester, but I think it might be a friendly house cat. Can I bring it in for the scheduled TNR appointment?
A: If you are trapping feral cats for appointments that you have at Humane Society of Westchester, bring the cat(s) in at the appointed time. Occasionally, a trapped cat will show themselves to be very friendly to humans, allowing themselves to be touched or lifted. When this happens, we put the cat up for adoption at the shelter.