CatNiPP
The Cat Neighborhood Partnership Program (CatNiPP) is designed to address the challenge faced by property owners surrounding the presence of stray and feral cats, all while treating the cats in a humane and ethical manner; without the threat of removing them from their neighborhood homes. Stray and feral cats are the product of human mistreatment – owned cats are too often abandoned and those that are not neutered produce litters of untamable kittens. Unaddressed, the process continues and seems unstoppable. Colony by targeted colony, the Washington Humane Society is hopeful that we will one day be able to drastically reduce the feral cat population in the DC metropolitan area through CatNiPP!
CatNiPP FAQs and Information:
Upcoming Events
Why not Trap-and-Remove?
Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage (TNRM)
Neighbor Helping Neighbor - the "M" in TNRM
Clinical Services Provided for All Cats
Support CatNiPP
CatNiPP FAQs and Information:
Why not Trap-and-Remove?
Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage (TNRM)
Neighbor Helping Neighbor - the "M" in TNRM
Clinical Services Provided for All Cats
Support CatNiPP
To reserve space, return this
to
or 202-608-1359 (fax). Please include the date of the clinic you are interested in.
We fill up early and all reservations must be made by the Tuesday prior to the requested Sunday clinic. A reply MUST be received to confirm your reservation. Do NOT trap until you've received a reply, please!
Weekday Services: With an appointment! Monday thru Thursday (CLOSED FRIDAYS), closed most holidays. To make a weekday reservation,please email CatNiPP@washhumane.org or call:202-608-1356 x 101.
CatNiPP/Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Information Session: TBD
CatNiPP Trainings and Meetings
Would you like to connect with local CatNiPPers or volunteers? Follow this page for future meet-ups and trainings, or email CatNiPP@washhumane.org to request information.
Why not Trap-and-Remove?
Every year hundreds of feral cats and kittens arrive at regional shelters with very little chance of being tamed, socialized, or adopted resulting in their unfortunate demise. Euthanizing an animal simply because it had the misfortune of being homeless did not seem like an acceptable answer to anybody -- shelter team or community residents. And trap-and-remove has been shown not to work. Stray and feral cats populate an area because there is something about the area that supports them. There is food; there is shelter. There is something that provides them some safety and support. If you begin to trap-and-remove, other cats that are lingering on the fringes of the area will begin to move into the territory and will fill the space left behind. This is called the Vacuum Effect. The new cats integrate into the area, they produce more kittens and this leads to renewed calls for trap-and-remove. The cycle just repeats over-and-over, with no end in sight.
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Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage (TNRM)
In 2006, the Washington Humane Society developed the Cat Neighborhood Partnership Program (CatNiPP) -- a trap, neuter, return and manage (TNRM) program that contributes to the long-term management of feral cat populations in the District and breaks that cycle of trap-and-remove. TNRM works because it addresses the root of the problem – the breeding.
Every year hundreds of feral cats and kittens arrive at regional shelters with very little chance of being tamed, socialized, or adopted resulting in their unfortunate demise. Euthanizing an animal simply because it had the misfortune of being homeless did not seem like an acceptable answer to anybody -- shelter team or community residents. And trap-and-remove has been shown not to work. Stray and feral cats populate an area because there is something about the area that supports them. There is food; there is shelter. There is something that provides them some safety and support. If you begin to trap-and-remove, other cats that are lingering on the fringes of the area will begin to move into the territory and will fill the space left behind. This is called the Vacuum Effect. The new cats integrate into the area, they produce more kittens and this leads to renewed calls for trap-and-remove. The cycle just repeats over-and-over, with no end in sight.
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Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage (TNRM)
In 2006, the Washington Humane Society developed the Cat Neighborhood Partnership Program (CatNiPP) -- a trap, neuter, return and manage (TNRM) program that contributes to the long-term management of feral cat populations in the District and breaks that cycle of trap-and-remove. TNRM works because it addresses the root of the problem – the breeding.
Through CatNiPP, the cats are humanely trapped, brought to our spay/neuter clinic where they are neutered, vaccinated and generally examined. They are also eartipped* (a portion of their ear is cut) to signal that they have been treated by a veterinarian. After treatment the cats are then returned to their outdoor home – to live out their days in a managed colony. They no longer reproduce and their nuisance behaviors, like fighting, spraying and yowling are dramatically reduced.
TNRM promotes stabilization of the wildlife in the neighborhood and allows the cats to be humanely treated. TNRM is the solution that not only helps the cats but also makes residents and neighbors truly feel good about handling the challenge. TNRM also breaks that Vacuum Effect cycle. Since the trapped cats are neutered and then returned to the neighborhood site, new, un-neutered cats are held back and do not enter the territory. The neighborhood that once lived with cats that were breeding and causing problems is now stabilized; the cats are vaccinated and healthier and there are no new litters of kittens to contend with. TNRM provides a truly long-term solution.
*Learn about ear-tipping on this blog:
Ear-tip – The Universal Sign of a Community Cat by Danielle Bays, WHS Community Cats Program Manager
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Often times people have some concerns about the "R" in TNR. The "R" stands for: Return. Not just "release". And certainly not: "reabandonment" -- taking the cats out into the world where no one will care for them. Remember: this program is providing care for cats that are not good candiadtes for traditional indoor homes. Their home is where they already live. And CatNiPP is as committed to the management of the cats in their home environment, as we are to the treating these cats medically. Each cat that comes through CatNiPP is tended to by a community caregiver. These caregivers live in the neighborhoods where the cats are and sign an agreement with CatNiPP to provide some basic support to the cats, once they are returned. Many times neighbors find themselves at odds over how they feel about the neighborhood cats and those disputes can easily boil-over if parties are not able to calmly and rationally confront the issues together. Part of this colony management commitment means keeping lines of communication open with neighbors. If you are caring for a colony and you would like to learn more about best practices, please email: CatNiPP
Sign-Up: If you are new to CatNiPP, to begin to bring cats through for care and services you must first read and sign the CatNiPP Eligibility & Release here. Please review, sign, and return to CatNiPP@washhumane.org or 202-608-1359 (fax) prior to any trapping or scheduling of appointments.
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1) Sterilization surgery (All pregnancies will be terminated)
2) Eartip of the left ear
3) Rabies Vaccination
4) FVRCP Vaccination
5) Ear Cleaning
6) Subcutaneous Fluids (as needed, per our vet's directive)
2) Eartip of the left ear
3) Rabies Vaccination
4) FVRCP Vaccination
5) Ear Cleaning
6) Subcutaneous Fluids (as needed, per our vet's directive)
There are no substitutions or exceptions to the above (unless otherwise directed by an attending veterinarian). All cats coming through CatNiPP will be eartipped.
Kittens must be at least 2 lbs (approximately 8 weeks of age) to qualify for surgery.
WHS is not able to provide veterinary care to any cats that are not being sterilized.
Post-operative instructions, sterilization and vaccination certificates are provided for each cat prior to departure.
Fees: There are no charges for community cats, as long as they are from within the District and are returned to their outdoor colony. Community cats brought to the clinic from outside of the District receive all of the above clinic services – but at a charge of $45 per cat.
All cats must be brought in a humane box trap (covered)- one cat per trap: no carriers, no sharing.
Participation: This program is reserved for stray and feral cats living in outdoor colonies ONLY.
Tame cats and kittens slated for foster and adoption will be accepted through the regular, low-cost clinic and charged the standard clinic Low-Cost Services & Fees.
If you have questions or need more information please contact: CatNiPP@washhumane.org, Community Cat Programs Manager - 202-608-1356 x 101 or 202-88-ALTER
Please provide the following information when you contact WHS:
Participation: This program is reserved for stray and feral cats living in outdoor colonies ONLY.
Tame cats and kittens slated for foster and adoption will be accepted through the regular, low-cost clinic and charged the standard clinic Low-Cost Services & Fees.
If you have questions or need more information please contact: CatNiPP@washhumane.org, Community Cat Programs Manager - 202-608-1356 x 101 or 202-88-ALTER
Please provide the following information when you contact WHS:
*The address where the cats are located
*The name of the person feeding the cats and contact information (if known)
*Number of adult cats Number of kittens
Each and every service offered at the National Capital Area Spay & Neuter Center is subsidized by financial support from the Washington Humane Society. Any donations that you are able to provide will help ensure that the Washington Humane Society is able to continue to provide these vital services to all dogs and cats - owned and unowned -- living in our communities.
For a one time donation of $45, you can support the sterilization of one cat. Please consider making a donation today.
| Support CatNiPP Now >> |
CatNiPP Wish List (Donated Items)
• Humane Cat Traps
• Donated Cat Food for Area Caregivers
• Newspaper (to line traps and for our feral cat clinics)
• Sheets and Towels for our feral cat clinic and for trap covers
• Feral Cat Boxes
• CatStop™, Scarecrow™, Critter Ridder™ (Cat deterrents for yards and gardens)
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Get Involved
• Humane Cat Traps
• Donated Cat Food for Area Caregivers
• Newspaper (to line traps and for our feral cat clinics)
• Sheets and Towels for our feral cat clinic and for trap covers
• Feral Cat Boxes
• CatStop™, Scarecrow™, Critter Ridder™ (Cat deterrents for yards and gardens)
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Get Involved
Community Partnership
Through CatNiPP, the Washington Humane Society has significantly expanded its efforts to bring trap, neuter, return, manage (TNRM) to the community cats in our area. But that is only part of the puzzle.
Besides providing clinical resources for community cats, CatNipp also:
• Promotes spay/neuter of owned cats to help control cat overpopulation.
• Conducts neighborhood meetings on issues facing both human and feline residents.
• Provides information on alternatives to abandonment of cats.
• Builds a rapport with each neighborhood so we can tailor support based on the individual needs of EACH community.
Want to get involved?
Whether you have cats in your neighborhood that need TNRM or if you just want to volunteer to lend a hand, there is plenty of opportunity! You do not have to have previous experience – we are willing to train anyone! CatNiPP needs:
Through CatNiPP, the Washington Humane Society has significantly expanded its efforts to bring trap, neuter, return, manage (TNRM) to the community cats in our area. But that is only part of the puzzle.
Besides providing clinical resources for community cats, CatNipp also:
• Promotes spay/neuter of owned cats to help control cat overpopulation.
• Conducts neighborhood meetings on issues facing both human and feline residents.
• Provides information on alternatives to abandonment of cats.
• Builds a rapport with each neighborhood so we can tailor support based on the individual needs of EACH community.
Want to get involved?
Whether you have cats in your neighborhood that need TNRM or if you just want to volunteer to lend a hand, there is plenty of opportunity! You do not have to have previous experience – we are willing to train anyone! CatNiPP needs:
Trappers: Want to learn the field work of TNRM? Our experienced trappers would love to mentor you!
Drivers: Have a car? Many times we need people to help drive the already trapped cats to-and-from clinic.
Safe Homes: Have a secure garage or quiet space in your home? Trapped cats are held overnight before clinic and after clinic, in their traps. Many trappers and caregivers do not have space to hold the cats once they are trapped.
Clinical Support: Want to learn more about clinic life? We can always use people to help check-in the cats; assist in preparing the cats for surgery; assist in the post-surgical care and recovery. All cats are anesthetized prior to any handling.
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Foster Homes for Kittens and Adoptable Strays
As part of the TNRM process, trappers often find or trap young kittens and domestic stray cats that are living along side a colony. If these kittens are young enough to be socialized or we find stray adults that are better suited for indoor living, we try to find them a foster and ultimately permanent home. To find out more about fostering for WHS, go to: Cat Fostering
Contact CatNiPP
Community Cat Programs Manger
202-608-1356 x 101 or 202-88-ALTER
Read our CatNiPP Blogs
See Cats? Feed Cats? Build Cats Homes? – DIY Kitty Cottage Building Project:
"Kitty cottages, when placed on a deck, under a porch, or nestled in the garden, give cats a warm, dry, safe place to sleep. Kitty cottages can be built in a variety of shapes and sizes. The price is right! With many options for materials, they are not expensive to make. For the online shopper with no time for DIY projects, deluxe kitty cottages can be purchased online." Read more on our blog.
Tweety Versus Sylvester:
"We can’t dismiss the fact that cats prey on birds and other wildlife. In order to save those lives, we need to keep our housecats confined, have them spayed or neutered before they are six months old, even if they don’t go outside, and promote responsible cat care with others in our community." Read more on our blog.
See Cats? Feed Cats? Build Cats Homes? – DIY Kitty Cottage Building Project:
"Kitty cottages, when placed on a deck, under a porch, or nestled in the garden, give cats a warm, dry, safe place to sleep. Kitty cottages can be built in a variety of shapes and sizes. The price is right! With many options for materials, they are not expensive to make. For the online shopper with no time for DIY projects, deluxe kitty cottages can be purchased online." Read more on our blog.
Tweety Versus Sylvester:
"We can’t dismiss the fact that cats prey on birds and other wildlife. In order to save those lives, we need to keep our housecats confined, have them spayed or neutered before they are six months old, even if they don’t go outside, and promote responsible cat care with others in our community." Read more on our blog.
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Foster Homes for Kittens and Adoptable Strays
As part of the TNRM process, trappers often find or trap young kittens and domestic stray cats that are living along side a colony. If these kittens are young enough to be socialized or we find stray adults that are better suited for indoor living, we try to find them a foster and ultimately permanent home. To find out more about fostering for WHS, go to: Cat Fostering
Contact CatNiPP
Community Cat Programs Manger
202-608-1356 x 101 or 202-88-ALTER
Also check out our Barn Cat Program
