Community Cats are Here to Stay (with Some Minor Modifications)
Part of a recently approved update to North Liberty’s animal ordinance is a provision for free-roaming cats cared for by residents in their immediate area, or “community cats,” through a trap/neuter/return, or TNR, program.
“By advocating for trap/neuter/return and providing spay/neuter services for community cats, the Iowa Human Alliance offers the most effective and affordable approach to controlling community cat populations,” said IHA Executive Director Stacy Dykema. “Thanks to North Liberty community representatives that understand the value of TNR, a humane solution is now available.”
Through TNR, these community cats are humanely trapped, transported to a veterinarian to be sterilized, vaccinated for rabies, ear tipped for identification, and, after recovery, are returned to their original outdoor location. The policy stabilizes the community cat populations by stopping the breeding cycle, stops disruptive mating behaviors—like yowling, spraying, roaming, and fighting—so cats and people can coexist peacefully, and saves public money by reducing shelter intake, shelter euthanasia and calls of concern to animal control.
Community cats in need of sterilization should be in a live humane trap, covered with a sheet, and brought to a veterinarian, as instructed in North Liberty’s 2022 TNR Workshop.
The Iowa Humane Alliance offers low-cost vaccination and spay neuter services at its Regional Clinic, located at 6540 6th Street SW, Cedar Rapids. They will not accept walk-ins or drop offs without an appointment, so plan ahead. The Iowa Humane Alliance’s Community Cat Package includes sterilization, vaccination, and ear tipping. A female cat with a litter no older than 4 months old are eligible for a discounted bulk spay and neuter. For current hours and phone number to schedule an appointment, visit iowahumanealliance.org/schedule-appointment.
Tips on trapping and more information is available from the Iowa Humane Alliance and Johnson County Humane Society.
