Colony Care Basics
What is a cat colony?
A cat colony is a socially dynamic group of feral, stray, and/or community cats living together in a specific area, relying on each other for companionship and survival. These colonies can pop up anywhere—urban, suburban, or rural—especially near food sources like dumpsters, parks, or where kind-hearted people feed them (like our founder!).
What is TNR?
The use of TNR (Trap Neuter/Spay Return to original territory) is a humane method of controlling the population of cat colonies. Before TNR, mass euthanasia was a common method, and still is, for feline population control.
Cat Patch Inc. was founded in support of TNR.
In the absence of a perfect solution…
TNR offers a compassionate and practical approach to managing community cat populations.
Paired with our dedicated colony caretakers, Cat Patch Inc. has taken this colony from simply surviving to thriving!
Beyond the Basics
At Cat Patch Inc., we’re not just about TNR, food, and water—we’re crafting purr-sonalized care plans for each special kitty! Each cat deserves us to take the time to understand their quirks, needs, and desires; so we do!
Initiation
We are a sanctuary where cats find their own way to us—no human drop-offs allowed! Colony cats do not react well to outsiders; this boundary protects all parties involved. We keep a close eye on new arrivals, swooping in with immediate care if there’s any sign of trouble. If all’s well, we observe for an average of three months to check their background and give potential owners a chance to reclaim them. Our priority is always to observe and respond to each cat’s diverse set of needs.
Patience is a Virtue
We start by giving each cat the space they need to feel comfortable. Whether it’s a cautious kitty who prefers to observe from afar, like Orange Blue, or a sassy one who’s quick with a hiss and a slap, like Oreo, we let them set the pace. Slowly but surely, we build trust by offering gentle interactions and a pawsitive inviting vibe.
Tailored Care Plans? You Bet!
Every kitty gets a care plan as unique as their purr-sonality! Given their likely past of inbreeding and rough living conditions, colony cats often need extra medical, diet, and social care. Whether it’s the frequent checkups and medications for Tomlynn and Jerry, the tailored socialization plan for Oreo, or the grain-free diet for Socks and Miss T, we do it all with love and dedication.
Consistency, Observe, Adapt
By consistently observing and adapting to our kitties' patterns, we ensure their well-being is always our top priority. We follow a routine so our cats know when to expect check-ins and meals. This helps us understand their habits as well as where and when they show up. If a cat deviates from their usual pattern, we increase our observation to pinpoint the issue. Whether they've shifted their main territory or need a vet, we quickly adapt to address their needs.
Safe Haven
Our cat shack and recovery room are true lifesavers for our colony cats! Though still a work in progress, these spaces give our kitties the protection they desperately need. We’re excited to finish them up so we can better control the temperature, offer even more security, and make cleaning a breeze. It’s all part of our mission to provide top-notch care and comfort for every cat!
Doing the Best with What We Have—and More!
We’re all about making the most of what we’ve got and always striving to improve! Every upgrade and enhancement shows our commitment to our kitties’ comfort and well-being. We’re thrilled with our progress and dedicated to doing even more for their happiness and health. And let’s not forget, we couldn’t have done it alone. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors, we’ve turned a struggling cat colony into a magical haven where furry tails come true!