The solution is TNR: trap, neuter, return. It’s pretty easy to do, and it’s needed and appreciated because Wooten has a large population of homeless cats…and plenty of kind souls who feed them.
This is a good time of year to trap, while the weather is mild and the cats aren’t populating.
According to neighbor Megan Zellner, who has been working to reduce Wooten’s feral-cat population through TNR, the Austin Humane Society has a well-organized program. We’re fortunate that it’s nearby for easy drop-off and pickup. Here’s how it works:
• Make an appointment with the AHS (information below) for a Wednesday or Thursday surgery.
• Borrow a trap from AHS (for a refundable deposit) or purchase one from a feed or hardware store. Set the trap the night before the appointment using a little tuna as a lure.
• Drop off the cat between 6:30am and 8:30am on appointment day.
• Pick it up by 6:30pm to return it to its colony.
For an appointment or information, visit the Humane Society’s website at http://www.austinhumanesociety.org/ferals.
