How to maintain a colony

You’ve found a colony of stray and feral cats. Now what? Your first step is to borrow or buy a trap and get to work trapping! In Greenville County, you can have community cats fixed for free at Greenville County Animal Care. However, be aware there is a daily limit on how many cats are accepted, so get there early (like, before 7 a.m.). Check their social media for hours and days this program operates. In Spartanburg, your best bet is Animal Allies. Be sure to ask that the cats be checked for microchips in case any are lost pets that wandered into the area.

As you trap and fix (which includes vaccinations) as many cats as you can, you’ll need to establish shelters and a feeding station. It is inhumane not to support your colony after committing to TNR. You should find a safe, discreet place away from traffic and people to place covered food bowls and water. If you can, you should install feral cat shelters as well. We recommend asking permission from nearby property owners. Informing them of the benefits of TNR can be helpful. You are helping reduce nuisance animals, and many customers admire businesses that support TNR efforts!

Remember, it’s vital to return daily to provide your colony with food and clean water. Over time, these feral cats will come closer and closer and recognize you as a safe person. Kindness is always rewarded in the end!

REMEMBER:

Removing feral cats from one area to another does not solve the problem. Cats MUST be returned to where they survived to continue surviving. Here are some resources to help educate you:

• Community Cats Podcast

• Alley Cat Allies