Catching Strays

[starrynightxxi]

anyone have any suggestions about how to go about trying to find some sort of free clinic that will fix feral cats? Saw a pair of regulars to my parking lot today and thought there's no room in the shelters out here (too many unwanted everythings and very few people who have their animals neutered), but I've heard in this situation of people who use humane traps to catch cats, perform the surgery, and then rerelease them.

the only thing I can think of is maybe contact the SPCA/Humane Society and asking them for possible contacts, but has anyone had experience with this sort of thing?

 

[RandomWiktor]

Alley Cat Allies should have plenty of great info on TNR. I used to manage colonies myself, so I will say this much: managing colonies is a long term commitment, not just spay and release. The cats need shelter, daily feedings, and must be carefully monitored for new arrivals do maintain a non-reproductive colony. You may have to keep agressive cats in your home/apartment for days following surgery, and most participants also try to capture and place young kittens to reduce the colony size. In short, it isn't quite as high-maintenance an operation as a foster or adoption, but it is a little more involved than it superficially appears.
Anyways, if you click here, there is a fact sheet on the basics of TNR. There is also a lot of great info on veterinarians and organizations friendly to TNR programs. This organization is the go-to group if you want to know anything about caring for feral cats. Good luck!