Managed community cat colonies are maintained by dedicated volunteers under the TNR ethos: Trap, Neuter or Spay & Return the cats back to their original location. Some cat colony locations happen spontaneously around food sources, while others occur where there are folks feeding them with good intentions, but not necessarily keeping an eye on them. Once TNRed, these community cats have longer, healthier lives. They fight less, roam less and no longer multiply exponentially. If left unchecked, cats can rapidly proliferate to the point of nuisance and they will struggle to compete for the scant resources available. 

Some established colonies are fortunate enough to be looked after by volunteer caretakers. These kind souls monitor their colonies and are always on the lookout for new arrivals. If new cats do move into their territory, they are identified, humanely trapped and fixed. Trapping is a time consuming and exhausting process. It is also not a cheap endeavor. One of the hallmarks of a cat that has been TNRed is a tipped left ear. While the cats are under anesthesia for their check-ups and procedures, the vet will clip the very tip of the cat’s left ear so others know that this one has already been vaccinated and fixed. This practice helps assure no one expends resources unnecessarily attempting to trap them again.

The more you learn about their selfless, long-term commitments, the more amazing these community cat heroes are. Many colonies have guardians who feed on a routine schedule and provide fresh water - twice a day, even in the dead of winter. They look after these feral cats as if they were part of their extended fur-families. 

Remember, if you feed, you must fix! Please do this for the health and well-being of the kitties as well as your neighborhood community!

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