The numbers are in...

Last year we were able to spay/neuter and vaccinate 277 community cats!

This brings our grand total to more than 2,455 cats who have been trapped, neutered, vaccinated, and returned.

What does this mean?
A female cat can have up to three litters per year, with 4–6 kittens per litter — that’s 12–18 kittens in a single year from just one cat.
We know that more than half of the cats we have TNRed are female, but to keep the math simple, we’ll estimate 50% are females.

In one year, 138 females can produce anywhere between 1,600 and 2,500 kittens. If we look at 50% of the grand total, 1,228 females, this increases to 14,000 -22,000 kittens!!!  Sadly, most of these kittens will not survive past six months. Disease, abandonment, predators, parasites, injuries, and traffic take an enormous toll. Spaying and neutering prevents this cycle of suffering before it begins.

TNR also dramatically improves the overall health and wellbeing of cat colonies. At the time of surgery, cats receive a rabies vaccine to protect against rabies, as well as the FVRCP vaccine, which guards against other deadly viruses and diseases. With population growth under control, there is less competition for food, and behaviors like fighting and spraying are greatly reduced.

TNR is a big WIN for community cats and the members of our community who live alongside them. 
If you have cats in your area that you’d like to help, low-cost spay/neuter vouchers can be purchased at Pamlico Animal Hospital in Washington and used there or at Tar River Animal Hospital.

The more people who participate, the bigger the difference we can make! ​