Campus TNRM for Feral Cats

The general guidelines of the Campus TNRM for Feral Cats program are described as follows:

Trapping: Humane traps are used. We prefer Tru-Catch Traps because they are so quiet and less likely to traumatize the cats. Traps are monitored at all times and never left unattended. When trapped, cats are then covered and transported to local veterinarians who participate in the project by offering reduced-rate services.

Vaccinating: All cats are vaccinated against rabies. Adoptable cats also receive the vaccination and are treated for ear mites and fleas.

Altering: Cats are surgically spayed or neutered. Dissolvable sutures are used so they do not have to be retrapped for suture removal.

Testing: Adoptable and ill cats are tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) as well as intestinal worms and parasites. 

Identification: For identification purposes the cats are "ear tipped" (While under anesthetic, the tip of the left ear is cropped and cauterized. This method is a national standard used for identifying members of managed feral colonies.) 

Return: After complete recovery the cats are returned to their original site on campus and released.

Feeding Rules : Campus TNRM for Feral Cats implements strict feeding rules. Feeding stations are kept clean and hidden from high-traffic and populated areas. Random feeding by anyone who is not a Coalition member is strongly discouraged. To coordinate feeding contact kc02@txstate.edu

Maintenance: Logs and pictures are kept with detailed information regarding each cat and its location. Colonies are monitored on a regular basis for newly emerged kittens, newcomers, injured or diseased cats, etc.

Fostering: Kittens and friendly adult cats are placed in foster homes until PAWS has space at their San Marcos PetsMart catery. 

Adoptions: After surgery and fostering adoptable cats and kittens go to the San Marcos PetsMart whose adoptions are handled by PAWS Animal Shelter.