Advocates Try To Lower Outdoor Cat Population In Irvington With Free Spay-Neuter Programs

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A nonprofit in North Jersey is launching a local trap-neuter-return program in an effort to control the “outdoor cat” population in Irvington.

Communities Promoting Animal Welfare NJ (CPAW) said it has made Irvington a priority since becoming eligible for the Essex County Commissioners' TNVR grant program in 2023.

According to CPAW, the township may have “hundreds” of community cats living within its borders. Members of the nonprofit have trapped 194 outdoor cats in Irvington since then, with 43 of those later adopted through rescue and shelter partners.

Through CPAW’s trap-neuter-return (TNR) program, community cats are trapped, vaccinated for rabies, neutered, and returned to their outdoor homes for continued monitoring by their caregivers.

An upcoming info session will offer some more details about the nonprofit’s program, advocates said.

"Neuter the Neighborhood" launches Thursday, Oct. 23 with a Community Cat Workshop at 7 p.m. at the Irvington Public Library. Irvington residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the program.

Essex County residents can request help with outdoor cats by visiting CPAW’s website and clicking the "Get Help Here" button.

FREE SPAY/NEUTER FOR PET CATS

CPAW is also running a free spay/neuter program for local cat owners in Irvington.

Nearly 18 percent of Irvington residents experience financial barriers to pet care, advocates said.

Increasing local sterilization rates will help to reduce the number of outdoor cats in the area, the nonprofit said.

Irvington residents can visit cpawnj.org/neuter-the-neighborhood to apply for free spay/neuter for pet cats. Submitting an application does not guarantee pets will be chosen, as funds are limited.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.