Relocating Community Cats

CPAW does not support the relocation of community cat colonies except as an absolute last resort in a few very specific circumstances. Community cats are not homeless cats; their homes are in the neighborhoods where they live. In their neighborhoods, they know where to find food, water and shelter. They know the safe places and the places to avoid. Relocating community cats to new areas is extremely stressful to them. Stress can profoundly impact cats’ health and well-being. Cats who are stressed may stop eating, develop chronic health conditions, become aggressive, shut down, or even self mutilate. A cat in a foreign environment doesn’t know where to find the resources that they need to survive. Additionally, they will often try to find their way back to their original home, which can be a risky proposition. Community cats do best where they are. Through TNR, we provide the biggest boost we can to them and allow them the best chances to survive in their outdoor homes.

Sanctuaries 

CPAW does not support the relocation of community cats to “sanctuaries”, aside from very rare cases in which cats are placed with trusted and proven sanctuary partners. Most animal “sanctuaries” are not licensed, regulated or inspected in any way. Anyone can establish and run what they deem to be an animal sanctuary. The practices of such organizations, and the conditions in which their animal residents live, is out of the public eye. Well-intentioned sanctuary-providers can become overburdened when they “cannot say no” to an animal in need, and conditions and care can deteriorate. Poorly run or overwhelmed “sanctuaries” can have beautiful websites or social media pages that do not reflect the reality of conditions at the facility. People who run such sanctuaries can be charming, caring, kind and responsive. Again, their public image may not reflect the reality of conditions at the facility. Therefore, since animal “sanctuaries” can operate without inspection, scrutiny or a mandate to live up to accepted animal welfare standards, CPAW does not support the surrendering of community cats to “sanctuaries.” For further information on animal “sanctuaries,” please read this article from Humane World for Animals: https://humanepro.org/magazine/articles/when-animal-rescue-isnt