CPAW’s Position on Trapping Strategy

CPAW employs a targeted, systematic approach to Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) of free-roaming outdoor cats. An area is selected for action when it’s been determined that free-roaming cats have been in the area for at least two weeks and that the cats are being fed on a schedule by an established feeder. Additionally, there should also be a reasonable assumption that the cats are not pet cats that are allowed to roam outside (for example, no collars or other indications of ownership). Once an area has been selected for trapping, CPAW will initiate and continue TNR efforts there until all cats are neutered. Only then will CPAW move on to a new location. CPAW does not encourage or engage in random trapping in numerous locations at any given time, as this method does not lead to short or long term success. Targeting an area, neutering all the cats there and only then moving on has been shown to be the most effective strategy to actually reduce the number of free-roaming cats. 

Additionally, CPAW emphasizes the importance of trappers making contact with established feeders and familiarizing themselves with the elements of the location and cat colony. This reduces the chance of trapping free roaming pet cats. TNR is not aimed at pet cats. However, unneutered pet cats can contribute to outdoor cat populations if they are allowed to roam outdoors. Therefore, it’s helpful to pair TNR efforts with education and low-cost spay/neuter information for pet guardians in the targeted area. 

Likewise, CPAW does not support free roaming cats being TNR’d and placed into rescue without the trapper being familiar with the situation so as to avoid inadvertently placing an indoor/outdoor pet cat on a path to rescue. Once neutered and vaccinated, many cats, even those that are friendly, can continue to live happily in their outdoor homes. These cats are not “homeless” but are, in fact, living in the home that they know with resources and caregivers that are familiar to them. Rescues and shelters are already filled to capacity with adoptable cats and kittens. We do not want to add to the shelters’ burden by bringing cats to them that already have a home, imperfect as an outdoor home may be. If a cat is neutered and has an established caregiver, CPAW advocates allowing him/her to continue to live in this outdoor home.