National Feral Cat Day Oct. 16

National Feral Cat Day (October 16) celebrates a milestone in 2010—its tenth anniversary. Alley Cat Allies first launched National Feral Cat Day in 2001 as a kickoff to a national education campaign about feral cats.

“Feral cats are domestic cats, but are not socialized to people and are therefore unadoptable,” said Becky Robinson, president of Alley Cat Allies. “If a feral cat is brought to a shelter they are almost always killed. This is why so many communities have adopted Trap-Neuter-Return programs as a way to care for and manage feral cats.”

Trap-Neuter-Return improves the cats’ lives by ending the breeding cycle. The cats no longer undergo the stresses associated with mating and pregnancy and the population stabilizes because there are no new kittens.

Cats in Trap-Neuter-Return programs are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. While the cat is under anesthesia, a small portion of the left ear—called an “eartip”— is removed, signaling the cat has been neutered and vaccinated.

These cats have been living outside among people for 10,000 years—they are not a new phenomenon. Feral cats live healthy lives and thrive in any landscape, from rural to urban.

“Since the very first National Feral Cat Day, hundreds of thousands of supporters have signed on to help feral cats in their communities, and the movement continues to build,” said Robinson. “Americans want compassionate programs for cats, including Trap-Neuter-Return.”

Nearly 100 events are already scheduled nationwide to celebrate National Feral Cat Day. For a complete listing, or more information, visit www.alleycat.org/NFCD.


About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is the nation’s leading advocate for stray and feral cats. Their website is www.alleycat.org.