Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR
Definitly need large litter boxes, especially if you have a long legged critter like my Harley or a slightly pudgy one like Homey. Even the small one likeLil Bit like enough room to move around. MaiMaiPG wrote: > Or even an uncovered one. They are big enough for my guys and they > are young enough to jump in. I learned about them when I was dealing > with a 19 year old marvelous feral who moved in with me (trust me, I > wasn't into cats but he changed that big time). I would never buy one > of those tiny litter boxes for my boys. > On Mar 11, 2012, at 8:39 AM, GRAS wrote: > > > A friend also used those wooden garbage bin holders that open from the > > frontshe cut openings for entry, put in a shelf for more > > sleeping space, > > filled with hay or straw, or even smaller individual Styrofoam > > cubicles > > without lids, and it housed about 10 or more cats. > > BTW - Rubbermaids also make great covered litter boxes for multiple > > cats. > > Cut an appropriate opening in front, depending on cats' needs (low > > or higher > > threshold), and presto, litter box with a lid! Natalie > > > > -Original Message- > > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of MaiMaiPG > > Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2012 9:11 AM > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR > > > > Plastic rubbermaid totes will help too. If you cut a hole toward > > the end on > > one of the long sides and leave the lid on top, you can stuff it > > with a > > little hay or pine needles (no cloth please, it holds water). > > Cutting the > > hole this way lets them get further out of the weather and feels > > safer than > > putting it in the middle or on a short side. The top acts as a roof, > > repelling water and wind and makes it easier to tend to the box. I > > like to > > put a little Sevin in for fleas during the season. > > On Mar 11, 2012, at 12:03 AM, >> wrote: > > > >> If the caregivers provide protection for them, even a styrofoam > >> cooler > >> wll protect frm rain, snow and with a bit of straw, they can be warm. > >> > >> GRAS wrote: > >>> At least the cat colonies don't have to freeze in the winter in FL > >>> like they do elsewhere. > >>> > >>> Most TNR groups that I know of in this area don't tests at all. > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > >>> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Heather > >>> Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 1:27 PM > >>> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > >>> Subject: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> -- Forwarded message -- > >>> From: Heather > >>> Date: Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 1:23 PM > >>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] TNR > >>> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> Definitely not to argue, but to provide some perspective on high > >>> volume TNR and the ACA (and Neighborhood Cats) stance on routine > >>> testing of TNR ferals... > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> While millions of cats are of course killed in shelters each year > >>> nationally, the free roaming cat population on the streets may > >>> differ vastly > >>> geographically. In my city (Tampa), there are hundreds of > >>> thousands of > >>> feral cats. There are several of us constantly practicing TNR on > >>> the > >>> "population at large" (or colonies where the feeders are not > >>> fixing--a huge > >>> sore spot with us, too), meaning trapping pretty much every week, > >>> sometimes > >>> more than once a week, cats who are not at our own colonies. Some > >>> of my > >>> friends trap anywhere from 10 - 50 cats per week for TNR (and of > >>> course > >>> kittens and such are rescued as much as space/socialization/fosters > >>> permit, > >>> sick cats treated, etc.) Routine TNR's--not being rescued for > >>> adoption or > >>> not being addressed/treated for illness are not tested. If we > >>> tested every > >>> cat, we could only spay/neuter/vaccinate a fraction of the cats.
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR
Or even an uncovered one. They are big enough for my guys and they are young enough to jump in. I learned about them when I was dealing with a 19 year old marvelous feral who moved in with me (trust me, I wasn't into cats but he changed that big time). I would never buy one of those tiny litter boxes for my boys. On Mar 11, 2012, at 8:39 AM, GRAS wrote: A friend also used those wooden garbage bin holders that open from the frontshe cut openings for entry, put in a shelf for more sleeping space, filled with hay or straw, or even smaller individual Styrofoam cubicles without lids, and it housed about 10 or more cats. BTW - Rubbermaids also make great covered litter boxes for multiple cats. Cut an appropriate opening in front, depending on cats' needs (low or higher threshold), and presto, litter box with a lid! Natalie -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of MaiMaiPG Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2012 9:11 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR Plastic rubbermaid totes will help too. If you cut a hole toward the end on one of the long sides and leave the lid on top, you can stuff it with a little hay or pine needles (no cloth please, it holds water). Cutting the hole this way lets them get further out of the weather and feels safer than putting it in the middle or on a short side. The top acts as a roof, repelling water and wind and makes it easier to tend to the box. I like to put a little Sevin in for fleas during the season. On Mar 11, 2012, at 12:03 AM, wrote: If the caregivers provide protection for them, even a styrofoam cooler wll protect frm rain, snow and with a bit of straw, they can be warm. GRAS wrote: At least the cat colonies don't have to freeze in the winter in FL like they do elsewhere. Most TNR groups that I know of in this area don't tests at all. From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Heather Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 1:27 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR -- Forwarded message -- From: Heather Date: Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 1:23 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] TNR To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Definitely not to argue, but to provide some perspective on high volume TNR and the ACA (and Neighborhood Cats) stance on routine testing of TNR ferals... While millions of cats are of course killed in shelters each year nationally, the free roaming cat population on the streets may differ vastly geographically. In my city (Tampa), there are hundreds of thousands of feral cats. There are several of us constantly practicing TNR on the "population at large" (or colonies where the feeders are not fixing--a huge sore spot with us, too), meaning trapping pretty much every week, sometimes more than once a week, cats who are not at our own colonies. Some of my friends trap anywhere from 10 - 50 cats per week for TNR (and of course kittens and such are rescued as much as space/socialization/fosters permit, sick cats treated, etc.) Routine TNR's--not being rescued for adoption or not being addressed/treated for illness are not tested. If we tested every cat, we could only spay/neuter/vaccinate a fraction of the cats. There would be far more (exponentially, we all know how cats can reproduce--here it's hot and a mama will have 3 litters a year) cats breeding, spreading illness. There would be more negative AND more positive cats, and therefore since unfixed, also more positive (and negative) kittens being born on the streets. In our city, we are serving the greater good by fixing as many as possible. Since we all also do a lot of rescue, pulling friendlies/dumped cats, or cats to be treated for illness, from colonies, I can say we run into FELV fairly seldomly. Despite my own very high # of colonies, in addition to helping people rescue and fix cats all over, I have run into FELV the most of anyone I know and it's really just been in two areas, close in proximity, where the feeders are NOT fixing the cats. Disease definititely seems to proliferate where the cats are unsterilized, though of course I realize it spreads in other ways besides reproducing. As TNR has steadily increased in our county, the # of cats euthanized at our county AS has steadily declined--I can share a graph if anyone is interested, the results are absolutely amazing and pretty much in direct proportion in terms of euth decrease/TNR increase. Several years ago 16K-18K cats were killed per year at this county shelter; now it is down to around 9K. Even our own local Humane Society--which has the most awesome s/n/ TNR clinic, but was very firm on testing for years, finally conceded with the ACA/Neighborhood Cats stance that, on routine TNR's not showing signs of illness, the reso
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR
A friend also used those wooden garbage bin holders that open from the frontshe cut openings for entry, put in a shelf for more sleeping space, filled with hay or straw, or even smaller individual Styrofoam cubicles without lids, and it housed about 10 or more cats. BTW - Rubbermaids also make great covered litter boxes for multiple cats. Cut an appropriate opening in front, depending on cats' needs (low or higher threshold), and presto, litter box with a lid! Natalie -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of MaiMaiPG Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2012 9:11 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR Plastic rubbermaid totes will help too. If you cut a hole toward the end on one of the long sides and leave the lid on top, you can stuff it with a little hay or pine needles (no cloth please, it holds water). Cutting the hole this way lets them get further out of the weather and feels safer than putting it in the middle or on a short side. The top acts as a roof, repelling water and wind and makes it easier to tend to the box. I like to put a little Sevin in for fleas during the season. On Mar 11, 2012, at 12:03 AM, wrote: > If the caregivers provide protection for them, even a styrofoam cooler > wll protect frm rain, snow and with a bit of straw, they can be warm. > > GRAS wrote: >> At least the cat colonies don't have to freeze in the winter in FL >> like they do elsewhere. >> >> Most TNR groups that I know of in this area don't tests at all. >> >> >> >> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org >> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Heather >> Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 1:27 PM >> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> Subject: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR >> >> >> >> >> >> -- Forwarded message -- >> From: Heather >> Date: Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 1:23 PM >> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] TNR >> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> >> >> >> Definitely not to argue, but to provide some perspective on high >> volume TNR and the ACA (and Neighborhood Cats) stance on routine >> testing of TNR ferals... >> >> >> >> While millions of cats are of course killed in shelters each year >> nationally, the free roaming cat population on the streets may >> differ vastly >> geographically. In my city (Tampa), there are hundreds of >> thousands of >> feral cats. There are several of us constantly practicing TNR on >> the >> "population at large" (or colonies where the feeders are not >> fixing--a huge >> sore spot with us, too), meaning trapping pretty much every week, >> sometimes >> more than once a week, cats who are not at our own colonies. Some >> of my >> friends trap anywhere from 10 - 50 cats per week for TNR (and of >> course >> kittens and such are rescued as much as space/socialization/fosters >> permit, >> sick cats treated, etc.) Routine TNR's--not being rescued for >> adoption or >> not being addressed/treated for illness are not tested. If we >> tested every >> cat, we could only spay/neuter/vaccinate a fraction of the cats. >> There >> would be far more (exponentially, we all know how cats can >> reproduce--here >> it's hot and a mama will have 3 litters a year) cats breeding, >> spreading >> illness. There would be more negative AND more positive cats, and >> therefore >> since unfixed, also more positive (and negative) kittens being born >> on the >> streets. In our city, we are serving the greater good by fixing >> as many as >> possible. Since we all also do a lot of rescue, pulling >> friendlies/dumped >> cats, or cats to be treated for illness, from colonies, I can say >> we run >> into FELV fairly seldomly. Despite my own very high # of colonies, >> in >> addition to helping people rescue and fix cats all over, I have run >> into >> FELV the most of anyone I know and it's really just been in two >> areas, close >> in proximity, where the feeders are NOT fixing the cats. Disease >> definititely seems to proliferate where the cats are unsterilized, >> though of >> course I realize it spreads in other ways besides reproducing. >> >> >> >> As TNR has steadily increased in our county, the # of cats >> euthanized at our >> county AS has steadily declined--I can share a graph if anyone is >> interested, the results are absolutely amazing and pretty muc
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR
Plastic rubbermaid totes will help too. If you cut a hole toward the end on one of the long sides and leave the lid on top, you can stuff it with a little hay or pine needles (no cloth please, it holds water). Cutting the hole this way lets them get further out of the weather and feels safer than putting it in the middle or on a short side. The top acts as a roof, repelling water and wind and makes it easier to tend to the box. I like to put a little Sevin in for fleas during the season. On Mar 11, 2012, at 12:03 AM, > wrote: If the caregivers provide protection for them, even a styrofoam cooler wll protect frm rain, snow and with a bit of straw, they can be warm. GRAS wrote: At least the cat colonies don't have to freeze in the winter in FL like they do elsewhere. Most TNR groups that I know of in this area don't tests at all. From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Heather Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 1:27 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR -- Forwarded message -- From: Heather Date: Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 1:23 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] TNR To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Definitely not to argue, but to provide some perspective on high volume TNR and the ACA (and Neighborhood Cats) stance on routine testing of TNR ferals... While millions of cats are of course killed in shelters each year nationally, the free roaming cat population on the streets may differ vastly geographically. In my city (Tampa), there are hundreds of thousands of feral cats. There are several of us constantly practicing TNR on the "population at large" (or colonies where the feeders are not fixing--a huge sore spot with us, too), meaning trapping pretty much every week, sometimes more than once a week, cats who are not at our own colonies. Some of my friends trap anywhere from 10 - 50 cats per week for TNR (and of course kittens and such are rescued as much as space/socialization/fosters permit, sick cats treated, etc.) Routine TNR's--not being rescued for adoption or not being addressed/treated for illness are not tested. If we tested every cat, we could only spay/neuter/vaccinate a fraction of the cats. There would be far more (exponentially, we all know how cats can reproduce--here it's hot and a mama will have 3 litters a year) cats breeding, spreading illness. There would be more negative AND more positive cats, and therefore since unfixed, also more positive (and negative) kittens being born on the streets. In our city, we are serving the greater good by fixing as many as possible. Since we all also do a lot of rescue, pulling friendlies/dumped cats, or cats to be treated for illness, from colonies, I can say we run into FELV fairly seldomly. Despite my own very high # of colonies, in addition to helping people rescue and fix cats all over, I have run into FELV the most of anyone I know and it's really just been in two areas, close in proximity, where the feeders are NOT fixing the cats. Disease definititely seems to proliferate where the cats are unsterilized, though of course I realize it spreads in other ways besides reproducing. As TNR has steadily increased in our county, the # of cats euthanized at our county AS has steadily declined--I can share a graph if anyone is interested, the results are absolutely amazing and pretty much in direct proportion in terms of euth decrease/TNR increase. Several years ago 16K-18K cats were killed per year at this county shelter; now it is down to around 9K. Even our own local Humane Society--which has the most awesome s/n/TNR clinic, but was very firm on testing for years, finally conceded with the ACA/Neighborhood Cats stance that, on routine TNR's not showing signs of illness, the resources are best spent in sterilizing more cats than on testing. They do sometimes call us while assessing/operating and say they feel a particular cat needs to be tested. They are elated by the decrease in shelter euthanasia as well. I have no qualms returning an FIV+ cat to a safe area with a good caretaker, I had one FIV+ female who lived to be 14 outside until we brought her in to live her last 9 months due to geriatric issues. Granted, this was on a university campus where we often have cats live to be over 10 years old (just a little different environment from the true streets such as fast food joints, etc.). I hope me providing this perspective isn't resented--again, it's not intended to argue, just some comments to explain why many embrace the ACA perspective on not testing routine TNR's Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion and best practices for what they are doing. The overpopulation problem in Florida is insane, that is one thing that goes without saying. Thanks everyone for caring about cats! Heath
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR
If the caregivers provide protection for them, even a styrofoam cooler wll protect frm rain, snow and with a bit of straw, they can be warm. GRAS wrote: > At least the cat colonies don't have to freeze in the winter in FL like they > do elsewhere. > > Most TNR groups that I know of in this area don't tests at all. > > > > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Heather > Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 1:27 PM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR > > > > > > -- Forwarded message -- > From: Heather > Date: Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 1:23 PM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] TNR > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > > > Definitely not to argue, but to provide some perspective on high volume TNR > and the ACA (and Neighborhood Cats) stance on routine testing of TNR > ferals... > > > > While millions of cats are of course killed in shelters each year > nationally, the free roaming cat population on the streets may differ vastly > geographically. In my city (Tampa), there are hundreds of thousands of > feral cats. There are several of us constantly practicing TNR on the > "population at large" (or colonies where the feeders are not fixing--a huge > sore spot with us, too), meaning trapping pretty much every week, sometimes > more than once a week, cats who are not at our own colonies. Some of my > friends trap anywhere from 10 - 50 cats per week for TNR (and of course > kittens and such are rescued as much as space/socialization/fosters permit, > sick cats treated, etc.) Routine TNR's--not being rescued for adoption or > not being addressed/treated for illness are not tested. If we tested every > cat, we could only spay/neuter/vaccinate a fraction of the cats. There > would be far more (exponentially, we all know how cats can reproduce--here > it's hot and a mama will have 3 litters a year) cats breeding, spreading > illness. There would be more negative AND more positive cats, and therefore > since unfixed, also more positive (and negative) kittens being born on the > streets. In our city, we are serving the greater good by fixing as many as > possible. Since we all also do a lot of rescue, pulling friendlies/dumped > cats, or cats to be treated for illness, from colonies, I can say we run > into FELV fairly seldomly. Despite my own very high # of colonies, in > addition to helping people rescue and fix cats all over, I have run into > FELV the most of anyone I know and it's really just been in two areas, close > in proximity, where the feeders are NOT fixing the cats. Disease > definititely seems to proliferate where the cats are unsterilized, though of > course I realize it spreads in other ways besides reproducing. > > > > As TNR has steadily increased in our county, the # of cats euthanized at our > county AS has steadily declined--I can share a graph if anyone is > interested, the results are absolutely amazing and pretty much in direct > proportion in terms of euth decrease/TNR increase. Several years ago > 16K-18K cats were killed per year at this county shelter; now it is down to > around 9K. > > > > Even our own local Humane Society--which has the most awesome s/n/TNR > clinic, but was very firm on testing for years, finally conceded with the > ACA/Neighborhood Cats stance that, on routine TNR's not showing signs of > illness, the resources are best spent in sterilizing more cats than on > testing. They do sometimes call us while assessing/operating and say they > feel a particular cat needs to be tested. They are elated by the decrease > in shelter euthanasia as well. > > > > I have no qualms returning an FIV+ cat to a safe area with a good caretaker, > I had one FIV+ female who lived to be 14 outside until we brought her in to > live her last 9 months due to geriatric issues. Granted, this was on a > university campus where we often have cats live to be over 10 years old > (just a little different environment from the true streets such as fast food > joints, etc.). > > > > I hope me providing this perspective isn't resented--again, it's not > intended to argue, just some comments to explain why many embrace the ACA > perspective on not testing routine TNR's > > > > Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion and best practices for > what they are doing. The overpopulation problem in Florida is insane, that > is one thing that goes without saying. > > > > Thanks everyone for caring about cats! > > > > Heather > > On Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 12:26 PM, Beth wrote: > > I agree, FeLV should be put down or homed. I have returned FIV cats > > Unfortunately, Alley Cat Allies thinks they all should be returned & not > even tested. The place I have gotten ferals fixed believes this & refuses to > test ferals. > > Crazy. > > > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR
Forgot, good luck and my prayers are with you in Albuquerque. Sharyl wrote: > I am looking forward to hearing how this projects goes. What you have been > able to accomplish in Albuquerque is amazing. This next step will be watched > by rescue groups across the country. Keep up the good work Sharyl From: HIDEYO YAMAMOTO To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, March 8, 2012 6:23 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR We here in Albuquerque, just signed a contract with Best Friends to do very agressive TNR project and the city is receiving 1 million dollars from Best Friends in an effort. Any healthy cats (tame or feral) who are trapped and brought over to the shelters are going to be spayed/neutered and returned to where they come from - the idea is to create NO KILL city. We are already very agressive about TNR effort working with the city, but this will allow us to go to the next step. I personally don't believe in testing cats for Felk/FIV - the idea is population control by spay/neuter - we simplay put them back where they come from. Also audlts cats are more resistent in getting transmitted the virus evey by sharing food/water bowls - this is a finding from my personal experience - ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR
I am looking forward to hearing how this projects goes. What you have been able to accomplish in Albuquerque is amazing. This next step will be watched by rescue groups across the country. Keep up the good work Sharyl From: HIDEYO YAMAMOTO To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, March 8, 2012 6:23 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR We here in Albuquerque, just signed a contract with Best Friends to do very agressive TNR project and the city is receiving 1 million dollars from Best Friends in an effort. Any healthy cats (tame or feral) who are trapped and brought over to the shelters are going to be spayed/neutered and returned to where they come from - the idea is to create NO KILL city. We are already very agressive about TNR effort working with the city, but this will allow us to go to the next step. I personally don't believe in testing cats for Felk/FIV - the idea is population control by spay/neuter - we simplay put them back where they come from. Also audlts cats are more resistent in getting transmitted the virus evey by sharing food/water bowls - this is a finding from my personal experience -___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR
We here in Albuquerque, just signed a contract with Best Friends to do very agressive TNR project and the city is receiving 1 million dollars from Best Friends in an effort. Any healthy cats (tame or feral) who are trapped and brought over to the shelters are going to be spayed/neutered and returned to where they come from - the idea is to create NO KILL city. We are already very agressive about TNR effort working with the city, but this will allow us to go to the next step. I personally don't believe in testing cats for Felk/FIV - the idea is population control by spay/neuter - we simplay put them back where they come from. Also audlts cats are more resistent in getting transmitted the virus evey by sharing food/water bowls - this is a finding from my personal experience - Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2012 15:40:17 -0500 From: g...@optonline.net To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR At least the cat colonies don’t have to freeze in the winter in FL like they do elsewhere… Most TNR groups that I know of in this area don’t tests at all. From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Heather Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 1:27 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR -- Forwarded message -- From: Heather Date: Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 1:23 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] TNR To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Definitely not to argue, but to provide some perspective on high volume TNR and the ACA (and Neighborhood Cats) stance on routine testing of TNR ferals... While millions of cats are of course killed in shelters each year nationally, the free roaming cat population on the streets may differ vastly geographically. In my city (Tampa), there are hundreds of thousands of feral cats. There are several of us constantly practicing TNR on the "population at large" (or colonies where the feeders are not fixing--a huge sore spot with us, too), meaning trapping pretty much every week, sometimes more than once a week, cats who are not at our own colonies. Some of my friends trap anywhere from 10 - 50 cats per week for TNR (and of course kittens and such are rescued as much as space/socialization/fosters permit, sick cats treated, etc.) Routine TNR's--not being rescued for adoption or not being addressed/treated for illness are not tested. If we tested every cat, we could only spay/neuter/vaccinate a fraction of the cats. There would be far more (exponentially, we all know how cats can reproduce--here it's hot and a mama will have 3 litters a year) cats breeding, spreading illness. There would be more negative AND more positive cats, and therefore since unfixed, also more positive (and negative) kittens being born on the streets. In our city, we are serving the greater good by fixing as many as possible. Since we all also do a lot of rescue, pulling friendlies/dumped cats, or cats to be treated for illness, from colonies, I can say we run into FELV fairly seldomly. Despite my own very high # of colonies, in addition to helping people rescue and fix cats all over, I have run into FELV the most of anyone I know and it's really just been in two areas, close in proximity, where the feeders are NOT fixing the cats. Disease definititely seems to proliferate where the cats are unsterilized, though of course I realize it spreads in other ways besides reproducing. As TNR has steadily increased in our county, the # of cats euthanized at our county AS has steadily declined--I can share a graph if anyone is interested, the results are absolutely amazing and pretty much in direct proportion in terms of euth decrease/TNR increase. Several years ago 16K-18K cats were killed per year at this county shelter; now it is down to around 9K. Even our own local Humane Society--which has the most awesome s/n/TNR clinic, but was very firm on testing for years, finally conceded with the ACA/Neighborhood Cats stance that, on routine TNR's not showing signs of illness, the resources are best spent in sterilizing more cats than on testing. They do sometimes call us while assessing/operating and say they feel a particular cat needs to be tested. They are elated by the decrease in shelter euthanasia as well. I have no qualms returning an FIV+ cat to a safe area with a good caretaker, I had one FIV+ female who lived to be 14 outside until we brought her in to live her last 9 months due to geriatric issues. Granted, this was on a university campus where we often have cats live to be over 10 years old (just a little different environment from the true streets such as fast food joints, etc.). I hope me providing this perspective isn't resented--again, it's not intended to argue, just some comments to explain why many embrace the ACA perspective on not testing routine TNR's Of course
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR
Yeah, it's a catch-22, the elements are much kinder to the cats here...and thus we have many more cats with year round reproduction...kitten season never really ends here, though it does slow down considerably and when it hits--it's like kitten hurricane season. Worried about this one as we had an extremely mild winter, shelters are already filling up with kittens and nursing mamas[?] On Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 3:40 PM, GRAS wrote: > At least the cat colonies don’t have to freeze in the winter in FL like > they do elsewhere… > > Most TNR groups that I know of in this area don’t tests at all. > > ** ** > > *From:* felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto: > felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] *On Behalf Of *Heather > *Sent:* Thursday, March 08, 2012 1:27 PM > *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > *Subject:* [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR > > ** ** > > ** ** > > -- Forwarded message -- > From: *Heather* > Date: Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 1:23 PM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] TNR > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > > > Definitely not to argue, but to provide some perspective on high volume > TNR and the ACA (and Neighborhood Cats) stance on routine testing of TNR > ferals... > > > > While millions of cats are of course killed in shelters each year > nationally, the free roaming cat population on the streets may differ > vastly geographically. In my city (Tampa), there are hundreds of thousands > of feral cats. There are several of us constantly practicing TNR on the > "population at large" (or colonies where the feeders are not fixing--a huge > sore spot with us, too), meaning trapping pretty much every week, sometimes > more than once a week, cats who are not at our own colonies. Some of my > friends trap anywhere from 10 - 50 cats per week for TNR (and of course > kittens and such are rescued as much as space/socialization/fosters permit, > sick cats treated, etc.) Routine TNR's--not being rescued for adoption or > not being addressed/treated for illness are not tested. If we tested > every cat, we could only spay/neuter/vaccinate a fraction of the cats. > There would be far more (exponentially, we all know how cats can > reproduce--here it's hot and a mama will have 3 litters a year) cats > breeding, spreading illness. There would be more negative AND more > positive cats, and therefore since unfixed, also more positive (and > negative) kittens being born on the streets. In our city, we are serving > the greater good by fixing as many as possible. Since we all also do a > lot of rescue, pulling friendlies/dumped cats, or cats to be treated for > illness, from colonies, I can say we run into FELV fairly seldomly. > Despite my own very high # of colonies, in addition to helping people > rescue and fix cats all over, I have run into FELV the most of anyone I > know and it's really just been in two areas, close in proximity, where the > feeders are NOT fixing the cats. Disease definititely seems to proliferate > where the cats are unsterilized, though of course I realize it spreads in > other ways besides reproducing. > > > > As TNR has steadily increased in our county, the # of cats euthanized at > our county AS has steadily declined--I can share a graph if anyone is > interested, the results are absolutely amazing and pretty much in direct > proportion in terms of euth decrease/TNR increase. Several years ago > 16K-18K cats were killed per year at this county shelter; now it is down to > around 9K. > > > > Even our own local Humane Society--which has the most awesome s/n/TNR > clinic, but was very firm on testing for years, finally conceded with the > ACA/Neighborhood Cats stance that, on routine TNR's not showing signs of > illness, the resources are best spent in sterilizing more cats than on > testing. They do sometimes call us while assessing/operating and say they > feel a particular cat needs to be tested. They are elated by the decrease > in shelter euthanasia as well. > > > > I have no qualms returning an FIV+ cat to a safe area with a good > caretaker, I had one FIV+ female who lived to be 14 outside until we > brought her in to live her last 9 months due to geriatric issues. Granted, > this was on a university campus where we often have cats live to be over 10 > years old (just a little different environment from the true streets such > as fast food joints, etc.). > > > > I hope me providing this perspective isn't resented--again, it's not > intended to argue, just some comments to explain why many embrace the ACA > perspective on not testing routine TNR's > > > > Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion and best practices for > what they are doing. The overpopulation problem in Florida is insane, that > is one thing that goes without saying. > > > > Thanks everyone for caring about cats! > > > > Heather > > On Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 12:26 PM, Beth wrote: > > I agre
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR
At least the cat colonies don't have to freeze in the winter in FL like they do elsewhere. Most TNR groups that I know of in this area don't tests at all. From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Heather Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 1:27 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] Fwd: TNR -- Forwarded message -- From: Heather Date: Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 1:23 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] TNR To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Definitely not to argue, but to provide some perspective on high volume TNR and the ACA (and Neighborhood Cats) stance on routine testing of TNR ferals... While millions of cats are of course killed in shelters each year nationally, the free roaming cat population on the streets may differ vastly geographically. In my city (Tampa), there are hundreds of thousands of feral cats. There are several of us constantly practicing TNR on the "population at large" (or colonies where the feeders are not fixing--a huge sore spot with us, too), meaning trapping pretty much every week, sometimes more than once a week, cats who are not at our own colonies. Some of my friends trap anywhere from 10 - 50 cats per week for TNR (and of course kittens and such are rescued as much as space/socialization/fosters permit, sick cats treated, etc.) Routine TNR's--not being rescued for adoption or not being addressed/treated for illness are not tested. If we tested every cat, we could only spay/neuter/vaccinate a fraction of the cats. There would be far more (exponentially, we all know how cats can reproduce--here it's hot and a mama will have 3 litters a year) cats breeding, spreading illness. There would be more negative AND more positive cats, and therefore since unfixed, also more positive (and negative) kittens being born on the streets. In our city, we are serving the greater good by fixing as many as possible. Since we all also do a lot of rescue, pulling friendlies/dumped cats, or cats to be treated for illness, from colonies, I can say we run into FELV fairly seldomly. Despite my own very high # of colonies, in addition to helping people rescue and fix cats all over, I have run into FELV the most of anyone I know and it's really just been in two areas, close in proximity, where the feeders are NOT fixing the cats. Disease definititely seems to proliferate where the cats are unsterilized, though of course I realize it spreads in other ways besides reproducing. As TNR has steadily increased in our county, the # of cats euthanized at our county AS has steadily declined--I can share a graph if anyone is interested, the results are absolutely amazing and pretty much in direct proportion in terms of euth decrease/TNR increase. Several years ago 16K-18K cats were killed per year at this county shelter; now it is down to around 9K. Even our own local Humane Society--which has the most awesome s/n/TNR clinic, but was very firm on testing for years, finally conceded with the ACA/Neighborhood Cats stance that, on routine TNR's not showing signs of illness, the resources are best spent in sterilizing more cats than on testing. They do sometimes call us while assessing/operating and say they feel a particular cat needs to be tested. They are elated by the decrease in shelter euthanasia as well. I have no qualms returning an FIV+ cat to a safe area with a good caretaker, I had one FIV+ female who lived to be 14 outside until we brought her in to live her last 9 months due to geriatric issues. Granted, this was on a university campus where we often have cats live to be over 10 years old (just a little different environment from the true streets such as fast food joints, etc.). I hope me providing this perspective isn't resented--again, it's not intended to argue, just some comments to explain why many embrace the ACA perspective on not testing routine TNR's Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion and best practices for what they are doing. The overpopulation problem in Florida is insane, that is one thing that goes without saying. Thanks everyone for caring about cats! Heather On Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 12:26 PM, Beth wrote: I agree, FeLV should be put down or homed. I have returned FIV cats Unfortunately, Alley Cat Allies thinks they all should be returned & not even tested. The place I have gotten ferals fixed believes this & refuses to test ferals. Crazy. <>___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
