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| What is the TNR Project all about? The project is aimed at controlling and reducing the feral cat
population in Ontario. The group plans to initiate a
Trap-neuter-return (TNR), program.
Several feral cat colonies have been identified in Ontario.
The project is based on successful
programs in other cities, including Baker City. |
| What about pets that accidentally get trapped? The TNR project will notify residents prior to a trapping and provide a phone number to call if a pet is lost around the trapping period. Pet cats usually have a good food source at home, and are usually not attracted to the baited cages. If a pet cat is caught, it will be determined to be "tame" and an attempt will be made to adopt it out to a good home rather than return it to the feral colony. An owner who loses a cat should advertise in the Argus and check with local veterinarians. A purebred cat that is unaltered for breeding purposes should not be allowed to roam because of potential injury as well as the danger of breeding with a non-pedigreed animal. Additionally, local veterinarians can implant your pet with an identification chip, a safe and harmless method to assure recovering a loved pet.
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| Are Sick animals treated? Animals are trapped and taken to a
veterinarian to be neutered. While there, the animal receives a
health exam, is vaccinated for some common cat diseases, is treated for
fleas and for ear mites, and has the tip of it's ear removed to identify
it as a neutered animal. Animals that are obviously diseased or
wounded are not returned to their colonies. |
| Which
veterinarians participate in this project? All of the veterinary clinics in Ontario, Oregon support and participate in the TNR Project. top of page |
| How old does a kitten need to
be in order to be spayed or neutered? For many years, veterinarians were taught that cats and dogs had to be a year old to be spayed or neutered. Later, they were taught that six months was appropriate. Today we know that kittens and pups can be spayed or neutered at the age of two months (or two pounds). The American Veterinary Medical Association has endorsed this practice called Early Age Neutering; the animals recover more quickly from surgery when they are young. Today some vets will spay/neuter at eight weeks of age, while other adhere to the old practice of six months of age. The average age at which pets are spayed or neutered is four months. top of page |
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How young can a female cat/dog get pregnant? "Adolescent" cats and dogs as young as five months can get pregnant. For many reasons, it is important to spay or neuter BEFORE the first litter is born - before six months. top of page |
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Can brother and sister from the same litter
mate? A brother and sister from the same litter can create their own litters by the age of five months. It is not a good idea to allow this to happen. top of page |
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How long after a female cat has had kittens
can she be spayed? Mother cats can become pregnant while nursing. It is important to keep a nursing mother away from other adult cats of the opposite sex. One can spay a mother as soon as the kittens are weaned, (5 to 6 weeks for kittens) and because of the risk of pregnancy this should be done. top of page |
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Will neutering a male cat stop him from
spraying? It is best to alter males before they reach five months of age, and before they start “spraying” or “marking.” Even if a cat has started spraying, neutering may help. It usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the hormones to subside after the neutering. Neutering helps prevent spraying, roaming and aggressive behavior. top of page |
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Can someone help me trap feral cats? Contact us if have feral cats on your property within Ontario city limits. We will assess your situation and make arrangements to trap cats. top of page |
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Will the animal’s behavior change after being
altered? Your animal’s behavior will not change except that male cats will be less likely to fight, roam and spayed females will no longer go into heat. top of page |
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Will my animal become fat and lazy after
being altered? Your animal will not get fat and lazy after being spayed or neutered unless you feed him/her too much. To keep your pet healthy they should get regular exercise: walking for dogs, toys and scratching posts for cats. top of page |
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Where can I find spaying/neutering for
rabbits? You should contact House Rabbit Society or if you need to spay or neuter a rabbit. top of page |
