Boomers Making a Difference

Photography by Paul Hakimata

hakimata.com

A TNR PROJECT

By

Rosanna Hakimata

I decided to write my story about TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return, the only humane and effective way of controlling the feral cat population) to inspire all those people who think they cannot find the resources to put TNR into practice and show that it can be done because “to wish is to be able” and anything is possible when we put our minds to it.

At the end of October 2005, my husband and I moved to Long Island City in Queens New York. I soon realized that the back yards were filled with cats and kittens roaming freely. One group of kittens was abandoned by their mother and I decided to feed them. Soon I had 15 cats coming every day at the same hour to eat. But around Christmas, I realized that most of the kittens had upper respiratory problems and one by one they started to disappear. By the end of January I had to accept that they all died.

Looking for help, I posted an ad on Craigslist. Some people wrote me saying that they had taken the TNR course given by Neighborhood Cats. Promising myself that there would be no more sick kittens by the next winter, I decided to take the workshop myself.

After the TNR workshop, I felt empowered. I knew I could find a holding space and that would be my first step. I posted an ad asking for help on various websites and Bingo! I received a message from a woman who offered an old storage space in her back yard, as well as transportation for the traps. I immediately called and made an appointment with the ASPCA van. I also contacted Neighborhood Cats to assign a Coach, an experienced person to help us on the day of the trapping. In total, we trapped 12 cats: 8 females and 4 males.

I always believed that when you make a wish from the bottom of your heart, it comes true. In my case I not only helped 12 cats to live a better life, but made new friends, acquired lots of useful information and learned that on every block in New York City there are wonderful people working to help animals. I am proud and happy to live in this city, and am assured now more than ever all dreams can come true.

HOW WE DID IT

To prepare, we notified all neighbors several days prior to trapping by dropping letters in mail boxes and posting pamphlets throughout the neighborhood. We hoped to ensure no one would feed the cats, so they would be hungry enough to enter the traps.

Coordination is crucial. Covers were prepared in advance so that when we trapped a cat the entire trap could be covered immediately (this reduces stress levels for the cat).

Two types of food were used so that at least 2 smells would attract the cats.

Once the traps were prepared it was time to place them. It works best if the cats have been conditioned, feeding them in the same spot for a while so they get used to coming to one place to look for food. But to ensure capture of most cats, 1 or 2 days prior to trapping the cats should not be fed.

Here is Firula walking straight into the trap! It was easier than I expected.

We made sure to quickly cover the trapped cats. Once a cat has been trapped he/she will panic, especially when approached. Trapped cats should be kept in the trap and removed from the area immediately. A new trap should be placed in the same position as this might be a “hot spot” for trapping other feral cats.

The surgical procedures took place in a Mobile Animal Clinic provided by the ASPCA.

Here I am with my friend Nancy and the cats in covered traps.

After surgery we took care of them for another few days while they recovered. We cleaned and fed them twice a day using a special divider to isolate the cat in one side of the trap so it could not escape or attack us.

When they were ready to return to their colony, we released them on the exact same spot they were caught. We continue to provide them food, shelter and love.

Here is Billy Roberta running for freedom. Now she will have a better chance for a healthier life thanks to TNR.