The Community Cat Program is designed to manage and care for free-roaming cats through a humane, effective and backed by science approach known as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). This method involves trapping community cats, having them spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, health checked, ear tipped and then returning them to their chosen outdoor homes. Have you seen cats with the very tip of their left ear tipped? This is a universal way that shelters, rescues and non-profits “mark” cats who have already been fixed!
This simple yet powerful process helps control the population of community cats while ensuring they live healthier lives while also protecting our community from possible disease. One of the most significant benefits of the Community Cat Program is its impact on the cat population in Flagstaff. By preventing the birth of countless kittens, the program directly reduces population, suffering, illness, and natural cat behaviors that many humans find problematic.
High Country Humane also has a “Barn Cat Program” which is an ideal placement for cats who may not fall under the umbrella of a community cat but more so a cat who has proven to be unable to thrive 100% indoors. Our Barn Cat adopters provide cats with a warm/cool place to shelter, access to food and water, and if they want it, human and cat interactions. Whether socialized, under socialized, or not socialized at all, all cats should have the ability to survive and thrive in our community.
Shani Campbell
Community Cats Program Manager