Question about Trap-Neuter-Release programs

[Coventina]

My grandma has recently been adopted by a stray little black kitty.

It has become so devoted to her that it basically lives on her back porch.
My grandmother is 92, and simply will not adopt another pet, but she feels sorry for the little thing, and has been feeding it and leaving a water dish out at all times.

She's concerned about its health and also possible breeding more strays in the neighborhood.

Well, I got to see the little critter yesterday, and I noticed that the top of one ear is missing.

I know that it is common to clip an ear when a Trap-Neuter-Release has been done.
As this is a young cat, I'm assuming that is the case here? Would that be a safe assumption?

And also, if a TNR was done, do they do anything else? Like a round of basic shots or anything?

The cat looked healthy to me, despite my grandmother's concerns. Just a little skinny maybe.
Should I try to kidnap the thing and get a check-up done? Even if it will remain - technically - a stray?

[avebury]

1. Where I live, the

Trap Neuter Release program includes fixing the cat and a rabies shot.

[tammywammy]

2. If the ear is tipped then it's been fixed

TNR will also give it a rabies shot.

If you're concerned about the cat, then by all means you can try and take it to the vet. Is he friendly enough to pick up you can just take it in a carrier. But you can trap them as well. If there's a TNR program in your area they usually have traps you can borrow.

If she's feeding and giving water to it, it's her cat. I also take care of strays, and if they get hurt or whatnot and I take them to the vet they're still considered my cat.

I don't know what the weather is like where you're at, but she should also consider a little shelter for him for the winter/rain. If you google, there's an easy shelter you can make with the big rubber storage totes. I have a large storage tote and I cut a kitty sized entry hole. I keep it lined with a big bath towel. I just wash the towel(s) in super hot water & bleach every couple of months. Some of the other options include putting a smaller container inside a bigger one and using styrofoam as insulation.

[Coventina]

4. Thanks for the advice.

The cat is definitely scared of me.
When I tried to feed it yesterday it ran away (but was soon back on the porch once I went back inside).

So, I'm sure it would be pretty traumatic to trap it and haul it to the vet for a checkup.
I couldn't see anything obviously wrong with it, but for some reason my grandmother thinks it is sick.

My view (such as it was) was that her (I think it's a she) eyes were clear, no nasal discharge or drooling. Just a little skinny, as one would expect with a stray. So, I'm not sure there's a pressing need for a trip to the vet, but if my grandma continues to worry I'll probably do it.

And yes, the cat at least, has decided Grandma is hers.

But, the last thing she needs is the responsibility of a pet. At 92 and legally blind (macular degeneration) I honestly don't know how much longer she's going to be able to live on her own as it is. So, I understand her refusal to let it in the house.

Thanks for the advice on the shelter. My grandmother lives in Phoenix, so cold will not be a problem for many months yet, but I will make one when the time comes.

[Polly Hennessey]

3. TNR

TNR works. We had a feral cat problem in our neighborhood. Some of us began trapping and taking the cats to our vets. Over the years our colony has stabilized. What was once over twenty cats is now down to about eight. I have not seen a kitten in three years. All of our cats received their first shots and their rabies shots. This ensured that the colony remained healthy. We all have our own house cats. If possible, after a year or so, we would try to recapture some of the ferals and take them for booster shots. We also feed them healthy food with extra vitamins. They were all given names. Clark County here in Las Vegas has a feral cat program and I am a registered Clark County Feral Cat Colony Caretaker. Las Vegas had a terrible feral and abandoned cat problem during the recession. Capturing and euthanizing was not solving the problem. Some of our County Commissioners finally got smart and initiated the Trap/Neuter/Release program. Las Vegas and Clark County now have its feral cat problem under control. In our neighborhood almost all of us are animal lovers and our approach to the problem had to be humane and loving. We can't save all but we can save some.

Your hearts are in the right place. I wish you luck and remember you will be helping a beautiful animal survive. That has to make you feel good.

[Coventina]

5. Thanks for this great info!!

You and your neighbors are wonderful people!!

[tammywammy]

6. That's why I TNR and help strays

These pets were abandoned or never had an owner. I give food and water and a little shelter and talk nicely to them because they deserve a little easier life. And my out of pocket cost for Cat Chow is like $10/week.