Posted: October 14, 2009, 3 a.m. EDT
National Feral Cat Day, which aims to draw attention to the needs of stray and feral cats, is scheduled for Oct. 16. The observance was started by Alley Cat Allies, a national cat-advocacy organization, in 2001.
“Feral cats live healthy, quality lives outdoors, but there are ways to make their lives even better, including programs like trap-neuter-return,” said Becky Robinson, president of the group. “National Feral Cat Day is a great opportunity to learn more about feral cats and why trap-neuter-return is best for the cats and the community.”
Alley Cat Allies describes trap-neuter-return, also known as TNR, as a program in which cats are humanely trapped and brought to a veterinarian to be evaluated, neutered, vaccinated and ear-tipped. Friendly cats are adopted into families while healthy adult feral cats are returned to where they were found.
National Feral Cat Day is observed throughout the United States and includes fundraisers, adoption events and spay/neuter drives.