I have found that there is a great bias against free roaming cats, not only by veterinarians but by other TNR resources who do trap neuter return.
Garden City Community Cats project has been very proud of developing into a multi faceted trap neuter and return rescue. We felt we needed to extend our services to the caregivers and the cats because the population of cats in our city is changing. More and more of the cats we trap are not only free roaming, intact, and growing but they are also friendly. Many of them have been left because of the massive redevelopment of our city but some of them I know to have been raised outside bye compassionate caregivers who have befriended the free roaming cats.
In our TNR work we hold the cat in dog kennels waiting for their appointments. During that time the cats become REAL, with individual personalities. Most TNR rescues leave the cats in the traps with little interaction, except a few kind words through the trap.
Last year we experimented with adoption of some very friendly free roaming cats that we knew did not have owners. After evaluating them, we had them fixed, vetted and posted them for adoption. GCCCP WILL NOT NEUTER A CAT OR KITTEN WITHOUT THE EAR BEING CLIPPED. It is very clear to us how fast a cat can be returned to the street, and many become indoor\outdoor cats, no matter what the adopter says. We invited the community to be part of the rescue by adopting these cats. It not only worked but was successful beyond imagination! The cats seemed to be so grateful, and their adopters send us glowing reports of how happy they are with they're new family members. And even after telling the adopters they can return the cats at any time, they are never returned, but continue to send thankful reports.
The problem is trying to work in the old practices. If any "feral" low cost clinics hear we are going to try and rehome a free roaming cat, they don't want us to use their services. If we return the same friendly cat to the street, we are welcome to use their clinic.
If we go to the pet clinics they won't, or don't know how to clip an ear.
The majority of veterinarians do not like to vet free roaming cats, friendly or not. Once we get them "cleaned up" our adopters don't have a problem going to their own veterinarians.
GCCCP need to find an arrangement with a resource that understands our progression and compassion.
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Donna Brown
Garden City Community Cats Project
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