As of January 2015, Animal Services no longer responds, captures, or houses stray cats. Which is good, because aimlessly killing cats is pointless.
In El Paso, cats have the right to roam.
Overpopulation
Not only is it inhumane to simply euthanize nearly 10,000 cats a year, it’s costly and does not address the source of the problem.
is the leading cause of death.
The real issue isn’t the cats on the street, it’s the never-ending supply of new kittens.
Cats are drawn to unoccupied space that feels safe, so getting rid of “homeless” cats who live in urban spaces will only make room for new ones. The only way to reduce the number of free-roaming felines (community cats), is to keep the natural homes occupied with spayed or neutered “fixed” cats.
TNR can 'fix' the real problem.
By keeping them in their territory, they will prevent new unfixed cats from occupying the area.
Once the cat is ready, we transport them to the exact spot they were.
First we trap community cats where they live. Then we take them to one of our veterinarian partners to perform the surgery.
Return
Neuter
Trap
We’ve known this can work for some time which is why it’s estimated that 85% of pet cats are spayed or neutered, but only 2% of cats on the street are. We want to change that.
Just 1 fixed cat can prevent 8 new kittens per year.
Which means we can start solving the real problem, ourselves.
Learn about our community cats.
While it's possible for young feral kittens to learn how to be social and possibly even become an adopted pet, many will die and add more unwanted cats to the streets. Rather than capture them, our priority is to prevent these new cats from being born homeless.
Community Kittens
A flat-ear on a community cat is an indicator it has been through a TNR process. It’s also a sign it is doing its part to stop the never-ending supply of kittens in the area. The more cats we can get through the process, the closer we can get to reducing or even stopping the amount of community kittens being born. But they’re only as capable as their human counterparts.
Tipped-ear cats are our allies.
Older cats born homeless and never exposed to humans are considered “feral.” This is just because they’re not social and don't trust humans – NOT because they’re dangerous, rabid, or mean.
'Feral' / Community Cats
If you’ve ever spent any time on YouTube you’re probably familiar with “domesticated” cats. These are not part of our mission. However, if those pet cats become lost or homeless –living in the streets – they are considered a “stray.” We want to prevent strays from adding kittens into urban areas.
Pets and Strays
El Paso TNR is 501c(3) non-profit organization who facilitate all the steps in the TNR process. From educating the community, to trapping (or lending traps), to collaborating with veterinarians, underwriters, and civic partners. We are dedicated to reducing the use of inhumane tactics while staying centered around the data and progress of our region’s colonies.
Together, we can control El Paso's cat population.
For any questions or emergencies, leave us a message or call us.
Now more than ever, we have to be vigilant about the kittens popping up in our neighborhoods. But we need to stay home, stay well, and like our community cats, practice social distancing!
Unfortunately, as it heats up outside, it is the beginning of kitten season.
Please do not trap or take cats in for surgeries during this time.
If you find a mother cat and/or kittens, leave them alone and let mom do her job!
Due to Covid-19 and El Paso’s Stay at Home Order, all TNR practice and surgery has been suspended until further notice.
Covid-19 Notice
If you find a mother cat and/or kittens,
leave them alone and let mom do her job!
El Paso TNR loves our community
Stay home! Stay well! Practice Social Distancing!
Due to COVID-19 and El Paso’s Stay at Home Order, all TNR practice and surgery has been suspended until further notice.
Please do not trap or take cats in for surgeries.