Help Us Trap, Neuter, and Release Cats In Leitrim

Leitrim Animal Welfare run county-wide initiative to humanely manage the growing population of stray and feral cats in Leitrim, one town at a time. Our Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) program is an effective and compassionate approach to reducing the number of stray cats, improving their health, and preventing future suffering.

This fundraiser is dedicated to supporting the TNR efforts across Leitrim. As we move from town to town, we will focus on specific areas and update you on our progress. Your donation will help cover the costs of neutering/spaying stray cats, providing necessary flea/tick treatments, medications, and equipment to ensure the success of this program. Each cat costs an average of €100 to neuter, including travel expenses for reaching cats in remote areas.

Why Support TNR?

1.Control Feral Cat Populations

Stray and feral cats reproduce rapidly, leading to large populations that struggle to survive. Kittens born to feral mothers often become feral themselves, perpetuating the cycle. Through TNR, we can prevent more kittens from being born into a life of hardship and ensure existing cats are cared for in the most humane way.

2.Feral Cats Can't Be Treated When Sick

Feral cats are extremely difficult to handle, making it almost impossible to provide them with medical care if they become ill or injured. Since these cats can't be safely medicated or treated without trapping, they are left to suffer in the wild. By neutering them now, we prevent future health issues, reduce stress, and help them live healthier lives in their natural territory.

3.Better Health and Less Disease

Stray cats are at risk of contracting and spreading diseases such as feline leukemia, feline AIDS, and upper respiratory infections. Neutering not only reduces the population but also lowers the spread of disease, leading to healthier colonies of cats and a safer community.

4.End the Cycle of Suffering

Uncontrolled breeding leads to more kittens being born into harsh conditions, with many not surviving their first few weeks. Those that do often face ongoing struggles for food, shelter, and safety. TNR helps end this cycle by preventing more feral kittens from being born and reducing the overall population humanely.

5.Recognise Cats That Have Been TNR'd

If you see a cat with a tipped ear (the top portion of one ear has been surgically removed), this means the cat has already been through the TNR program. These cats have been neutered and are part of a managed colony, so there's no need to report them for neutering. By leaving them in their familiar territory, we prevent new, unneutered cats from moving in and breeding.

6.Why We Don’t Relocate Cats

Relocating feral cats is often inhumane and ineffective. Cats are territorial animals, and relocating them causes significant stress and confusion. Additionally, moving them out of an area usually leads to other unneutered cats taking over the territory and starting the cycle again. TNR allows cats to remain in their natural home while preventing population growth.

How You Can Help

Donate: Every euro goes directly to covering the costs of neutering and caring for stray cats in Leitrim. We are focusing on one town at a time and will provide updates as we move through each area.

Report Stray Cats: If you know of any unneutered stray cats in your area, please contact us with your name, Eircode, and details on the number of cats.

We will arrange to visit with traps, show you how to safely set them up, and take care of the neutering. Once neutered, the cats will be returned to their familiar environment.

By supporting this campaign, you are directly helping to control the stray cat population in Leitrim, ensuring a more compassionate and healthy community for both the cats and the people living here. Together, we can make a difference - one town at a time!