Feral Colonies
NBCR believes in caring for all cats
Feral cats are those that were never socialized with humans and can rarely be tamed. The Trap, Neuter, Release (T-N-R) program is practiced by several volunteers of NBCR to ensure the humane treatment of feral cats, thereby aiding in the control of the pet population and preventing the spread of diseases among 
felines. Additionally, T-N-R has natural benefits sometimes forgotten in our modern world. An established colony keeps other stray cats away and the rodent population down.
Feral cats may live alone but are usually found in large groups, called “feral colonies.” For safety, they live in groups of 10 to 12. The average life span of an unaltered (not neutered) feral cat that survives beyond the kitten stage is usually cited at less than two years, while a domestic indoor cat lives an average of 14 to 20 years. However, altered feral cats have been reported to live much longer and have a better quality of life over unaltered feral cats, particularly where food and medical attention is made available. Statistics from the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy Shelter Statistics Survey from 1994-97 show that 72% of all cats entering pounds and 
shelters are killed. For feral cats, the toll rises to almost 100%. Since ferals have never been socialized, a typical facility’s limited resource does not allow the extra time and attention required to prepare feral cats for adoption.
With the relentless efforts of volunteers like Angela Corley, NBCR President; Stacy Bauer, NBCR Board member (and Crazy Cat Lady); and Jerri Gatlin, Feral Cat Caretaker volunteer; there has been an on-going success with the TNR program in the Dallas area.
Each volunteer feeds her colony on a nightly basis. During the nightly trip, the volunteer observes the cats for problems or a new arrival. When new a feral cat does arrive, the volunteer sets a trap with a treat inside to lure the feral in. Once the cat goes inside the trap, it snaps shut. The volunteer then takes the trapped cat to a feral-friendly vet who administers a rabies vaccination and provides the spay or neuter procedure. After neutering, the left ear of the cat is notched or snipped to indicate that the cat has been altered and is most likely being cared for by an animal-responsible volunteer or rescue group. The notch also serves to alert other rescuers or animal control, and saving them the trouble of capturing the cat for their TNR program or lessening the chance for the cat to be euthanized.
When an independent rescuer was daignosed with cancer and no longer able to care for her colony, Angela 
and Jerri took over. This particular colony 
lives in Reverchon Park, near downtown Dallas, and has about 10 healthy feral cats. Occasionally, a cat arrives who is not feral and can be rescued. This happened at Reverchon Park with Herbie. After watching Herbie for a while, Angela saw that he was not actually feral, but injured and probably abandoned. She successfully retrieved him and Herbie was adopted at PetSmart, along with his best friend, Eliza, by long-time NBCR volunteer Dave Applegate’s family for Christmas.
Stacy Bauer’s colony is a “dumpster colony” in a low-income neighborhood. While taking kitties to a foster home, 
she noticed feral cats feeding out of a dumpster. After eight months of feeding them on a nightly basis, Stacy successfully trapped 11 of the cats. Now she cares for four females and two male cats, plus the occasional visitor, at this feral colony. Stacy has made it her personal mission to help ferals however she can. She also works with many other small feral colonies and helps other people to trap ferals in their neighborhood.
NBCR provides food and medical attention to our feral friends as part of its mission to help all animals however it can. At the same time, we serve as role models to all of society, showing the importance of caring for animals. NBCR believes that if just one cat has a longer, happier life, it is worth our time and effort.
If you are interested in helping with NBCR’s T-N-R program, either by donating food or volunteering to feed, please contact Angela or Stacy. 