Resources

This paper retrospectively examines a TNR program—began in 1992—that resulted in the elimination of hundreds of cats from the Newburyport, Massachusetts, waterfront.  An estimated 300 cats resided in the area at the commencement of the TNR program; none remained 17 years later. Up to one-third of the cats trapped were sociable and adopted into homes; the remainder were sterilized and vaccinated before being returned to the waterfront, where they declined in number over time due to attrition. A compelling narrative emerged from the available evidence concerning the effectiveness of TNR as a management practice.  The paper underscores the need for establishment of standardized data collection and assessment practices.

Newburyport Story 

This paper by the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D)  brought together a team with diverse expertise to create a realistic simulation model of FRC populations. The process relied a lot on concepts and work from wildlife biology (we define some of these concepts and related terminology in Appendix A). One of our main goals was to identify the most effective and cost-efficient ways to reduce the size of FRC populations over a 10-year period when using sterilization-based management. We also compared these to lethal approaches.

Managing Free Roaming Cat Populations  

It is natural to think that feral kittens should be brought inside.  Each case is different but in the majority of the cases, according to this article authored by prominent veterinarians indicates they can do just as well if left outside with their mother.  

Feral Kittens can be left with the colony 

What to do if you find kittens outdoors (Alley Cat Allies)  

Proper management of a community/free-roaming cat colony is a long term, year round responsibility and should not be undertaken lightly.  If you cannot commit to proper care and long-term management, do not put food out for any cat.  Once you put food out you become a "Colony Manager" and the cats become dependent on you.  The following guidelines and suggestions will help you provide proper care to you community cat colony 

Colony Management - Caring For Your Colony 

This is a Neighborhood Cat presentation that is an excellent resource for cat colony managers

Colony Caretaking Tips and Tricks Presented by Neighborhood Cats - Updated for 2023!