The 50 Feral Fix Helps with More than Funding...
- Kathy Gabrielescu
- Aug 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 7
Nearly every day we get applications from people all across NJ asking for funding for TNR. Our program is designed to help those who feed but cannot afford to TNR. That being said we are always here to anyone who needs to borrow traps or who feels more comfortable learning to safely trap cats one on one. While we simply cannot help every applicant we do our best to reach as many as possible.
Every application that comes in takes time. Very few applicants read about our program prior to applying so we always start by reviewing not only the application but also the policies of our program and how each clinic option works. People for Animals allows walk in appointments but only one or two per day depending on location. For those who have a lot of cats we can offer our friends at Preventative Paws. They offer scheduled surgeries. Both options have pros and cons and we can help caretakers decide which option is best.
Once we get through our initial application process, the real work starts. People are scheduled for one on one lessons on how to use traps and dividers. It is critical to safely handle feral cats not only to protect the cats but to protect humans from unvaccinated, scared animals. It generally takes about and hour to train applicants and make a plan on how best to trap under their individual circumstances.
Once all of this is complete we book surgeries or print vouchers to be used at People for Animals. Each clinic has their own policies on scheduling and payment so a well made plan is necessary
The first step to trapping is always trap training. We instruct each applicant on how to train cats to eat in traps even on days when there will be no trapping. Every applicant is given a short shopping list of items that will make the process easier. When trapping day arrives we are here to help! We were once new to this too and we know how many questions arise once you are under pressure. Don't worry! We are here to answer calls through out the entire process. It is often helpful for those who are apprehensive to feel like they are not alone and know they have someone to reach out to.
If instructions have been followed, the first day of trapping is generally a HUGE success! The first cats will always be the easiest to catch. Every new trapper is equipped with gravity traps by Tru Catch or Tomahawk along with a divider. It does not end there. We always have more tricks up our sleeves. Even once things get hard we can get new trappers through it. We have modified drop traps, normal drop traps, 36" large box traps and more. There is always an answer and odds are we will have it.
While we strongly believe every person who opts to feed cats needs to learn to TNR their colony we also know that someone to support you through the process is key to being successful. There are thousands of how to videos on the internet but nothing can replace having someone to call when the project becomes stressful.
Know someone who wants to learn to TNR?
Want to help keep our program going?