Episode 4: Rescue, TNR & Community Cats - Don't Talk About It, BE About It!

Hiss & Tell: Cat Behavior and Beyond

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In this episode, we meet the guests, Suse Goricke and Stacy Attenberg, who are independent rescuers and advocates for trap-neuter-return (TNR) and community cats. They discuss the importance of TNR in managing community cat populations and debunk the misconception that relocating cats is a viable solution. The guests also emphasize the need to give cats sufficient time to decompress after trapping and the importance of proper assessment. Additionally, they discuss the additional steps involved in TNR, such as vaccinations and other treatments. The conversation explores the challenges of snap testing and accessing services in New York, the difficulties in obtaining spay/neuter appointments, the resources and voucher programs available in Connecticut, and the different trapping methods used by the speakers. In this conversation, Stacy and Suse discuss various trapping methods for community cats, including the use of True Catch traps and drop traps. They also share the importance of securing traps with zip ties to prevent cats from escaping. The conversation then shifts to the positive impact of TNR on both the cats and the communities they inhabit. Stacy and Suse highlight success stories and the personal fulfillment they experience through their rescue work. They offer advice for individuals interested in getting involved in cat rescue and emphasize the importance of asking for help and building a support network. The role of social media in raising awareness and garnering support for rescue work is also discussed. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about sharing personal spaces with community cats.

Takeaways

• Trap-neuter-return (TNR) is a crucial practice for managing community cat populations.
• Relocating cats is not a viable solution as they may not survive in unfamiliar environments.
• Proper assessment and giving cats time to decompress are essential in determining their socialization potential.
• In addition to neutering, cats should receive vaccinations, flea treatments, and deworming as part of the TNR process. Snap testing for cats is not routinely done in New York, and there are limited options for accessing spay/neuter appointments.
• The ASPCA in New York opens their books for low-cost spay/neuter appointments on a random weekday, and the demand for appointments is high.
• Connecticut offers voucher programs for low-income individuals and non-profit organizations to help defray the costs of spay/neuter procedures.
• Trapping methods include box traps, box traps with a bottle and string, and drop traps. Building a strong community network is essential for successful trapping efforts. True Catch traps and drop traps are effective methods for trapping community cats.
• Securing traps with zip ties can prevent cats from escaping.
• TNR has a positive impact on both the cats and the communities they inhabit.
• Building a support network and asking for help are crucial in cat rescue work.
• Social media plays a significant role in raising awareness and garnering support for rescue work.
• Sharing personal spaces with community cats can be a rewarding and entertaining experience.