Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) If you have many stray cats in your area, consider implementing a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. This humane program has been proven effective nationwide in alleviating many issues associated with stray and/or feral cats. The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (FCCO) is a TNR program that provides donation-based spay/neuter services to feral and stray cats being cared for by caregivers. If you are feeding feral or stray cats, call FCCO at (503) 797-2606, or you can also fill out a caregiver application on their website. Consider adopting stray kittens (and their mothers) until they reach a weight of at least 2.5 lbs. Kittens weighing over 2.5 lbs can safely undergo spay/neuter surgeries and then be adopted into warm homes. Kittens that have not been weaned from their mothers before being adopted are often referred to as hand-reared kittens. Some organizations may have the capacity to take in hand-reared kittens or provide guidance on bottle-feeding them. For more information on what to do if you find kittens, visit our “If You Find Kittens” page. Be an advocate! If you bring in a stray cat, take note of its animal number and call to check on its progress. If space, stress, or health concerns are preventing a cat from being adopted, consider fostering, adopting, or rehoming the cat. Keep Your Cat Safe at Home™ Keep Your Cat Safe at Home™ is a campaign encouraging cat owners to keep their cats safe indoors. Indoor cats can enjoy outdoor time in enclosed outdoor enclosures, or you can train them to go outside on a leash. Preventing your cat from roaming freely can protect them from danger, disease, predation by wildlife, or getting lost. This also helps reduce the impact of cats on local wildlife. Over 40% of animals treated at the Portland Audubon Wildlife Care Center are injured by cats. It’s especially important to keep cats indoors in spring when young birds are learning to fly and are vulnerable to harm. For more information on cats and wildlife, visit the Audubon Society of Portland. The Humane Society of the United States has guidelines on how to transition outdoor cats to permanent indoor living. Spay/neuter your pets and encourage others to do the same The Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland (ASAP) estimates that an additional 10,000 cats need to be spayed/neutered annually for five consecutive years just to control the cat population. Don’t hesitate! Check out our spay/neuter resources page! Get a pet license for your cat and dog Related fees will help support homeless animals in the community. Never abandon your cat If you can no longer care for your cat, home for them. Abandoning cats is illegal and inhumane. It is an absolute unacceptable solution. Please do not contribute to the stray cat population.