Feral Cats
Mendota's Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR) Program
Challenge
Across Mendota and surrounding communities, many cats live outdoors without owners. Some were abandoned, some were born outside, and many have never experienced life in a home. These cats are commonly called feral or community cats.
Without intervention, outdoor cat populations can grow rapidly. As colonies expand, cats face hunger, disease, injury, harsh weather, and limited resources. Unmanaged colonies can also create challenges for neighborhoods and property owners while leaving cats to live difficult and often unhealthy lives.
Feral cats have little or no socialization with people and are often fearful of human contact. Most adult feral cats cannot easily adapt to indoor living and typically live in colonies near farms, businesses, vacant properties, and residential neighborhoods.
Why TNR
Simply removing cats does not solve the problem. When cats are removed from an area, new unsterilized cats often move in to take advantage of available food and shelter. This causes the population to grow again.
TNR breaks this cycle by humanely trapping cats, spaying or neutering them, vaccinating them when possible, ear-tipping them for identification, and returning them to their outdoor home. This prevents future litters, improves colony health, and gradually reduces the population over time.
NOTE: Cats that will have been through our program, will have a clipped ear to notify they have been spayed or neutered.
The Program
The Mendota Alley Cats crew, is a volunteer group of residents committed to the TNR program. The City of Mendota is supportive of the program and is working with Safe House Animal Rescue to guide the program. This program is operational solely by volunteers and donations.
The Mendota Alley Cats Crew will focus on one neighborhood/colony at a time to TNR the feral cats in that area. Volunteers are needed to help with education, trapping, transporting, housing, and feeding cats. Help with fundraising and communication is also needed.
Your Help Is Appreciated
For questions or information contact Annie Short, Project Director at 815-539-7459 or ashort@mendotacity.com
To Volunteer
and education efforts.
815-539-7459 or email here.
To Report
Our focus currently are neighborhoods with "Colonies" of cats (about 4 or more).
To report call 815-539-7459
or email here.
To Donate
Donations of food and money for gas and services is needed. Each neuter service is $60.
Donations can be dropped
off at City Clerk's Office
or Jen's Jungle in Mendota.
2025:
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The city began meeting with Safe House Animal Rescue to learn about the TNR Program.
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4 cats were TNR
-
Partnerships were formed.
2026
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In May an informational meeting was held.
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In June first volunteer meeting held.
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Fundraisers began
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Hope to have first TNRs in July
NUMBER OF CATS TNR (to date): 4