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Purpose and Proposition


Animal Care of Davis County’s Community Cat program works to manage, control, and improve the lives of free-roaming cats in our community.

 

Community cats are those that live outdoors within and among the community. These are typically feral cats that have no interest in humans and purposely avoid contact with them. Modern animal shelters have realized that our facilities are not necessarily the best place for cats, and especially cats that are used to living outdoors. The practice known as trap-neuter-return (TNR) is based on the idea that if these community cats were doing well before entering the shelter, they will continue to do well when they are returned, finding food and support in that neighborhood. Our role is to simply ensure they are vaccinated and sterilized (spayed/neutered).

 

 

 

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DON'T THEY WANT TO LIVE INDOORS?

Community cats have no interest in being an indoor cat, and most have been outdoors since birth! These kitties know the ins and outs of being outside - think of them like your neighborhood squirrel. 
These cats are avoidant of people and aren't your typical "lap cat." They've got a job to do!

WHY DOES TNR MATTER?

TNR is the most effective method of controlling the population and herd health of community cats. The vaccinations they receive keep disease at a minimum, and sterilization limits the amount of unwanted litters in a world where there are already so many homeless cats. Spaying and neutering also curbs unpleasant behaviors.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SHELTER?

Community cats are housed in a quiet area and provided food and water while they wait for their sterilization surgery. Once sterilized and vaccinated, they recover overnight before being released the next day to the area from where they originated. Sometimes, turnaround is as short as 48 hours!

CAN'T YOU TAKE THEM SOMEWHERE ELSE?

This is their home! Community cats are always returned from the area they came from - removing the cat from the area is not a solution! These cats are territorial, and if one cat is removed from their territory, another will come and fill that spot. Deterrents can keep the cats away from areas where they aren't preferred.


Meet Your Community Cat Officer



Officer M. Hansen

Community Cat Officer

Officer Hansen began her role as our Community Cat Officer for Animal Care of Davis County in the summer of 2023. She is ready to help with spay/neuter assistance, deterrent options, and any questions you may have!

Need assistance with community cats? Click here

Need tips for deterrent options? Click here

Community cat assistance is available Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. 




Community Cat Programs that Work

Learn more about a great Community Cat Program used by the Animal Humane Society in Minnesota that is working well.  While we don't run our program the same way, they do they have some great FAQs that answer the same questions about our program.

Learn more

National Animal Control Association

Read a statement on TNR from the National Animal Control Association.

Learn more


How to help


If you see cats in your area, check for an ear tip. When community cats are sterilized, the tip of their left ear is clipped to signify that they have been through the TNR program.

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No ear tips? Contact your Community Cat Officer!

 

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