Community Cats, Stray & Unowned

The ASPCA uses the term “community cats” to describe unowned cats, including cats often called feral, lost or abandoned cats, and cats who receive food or occasional care from people in their community.

The ASPCA supports humane community cat management through trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs. These programs include scanning for a microchip, vaccination, spay/neuter surgery and ear-tipping to identify sterilized cats. When feasible, cats may also be microchipped to support identification and help them return to their communities.

• The Special S/N Needs of Community Cats: This beautifully illustrated, full-color guide covers everything you need to know about spaying and neutering community cats – from trap handling through exams, ear tipping, surgery, tattooing, recovery, and release.
• Infection Control in Home-Based Programs: Discover a systematic approach to infection control that focuses on keeping animals healthy, especially in home-based operations and foster care.
• How to Talk TNR: These four tips can help you win over TNR resisters, whether they are pet lovers or not.
• Winter Shelters for Community Cats: FAQs and Cold Weather Tips: Top 10 tips to help get your colonies through the cold months.
• Responsible Feeding Practices: Top 4 tips to provide food to community cats while keeping the peace with human neighbors.