Feral Cat Colonies Target of Trap-Neuter Program in Hellertown

No Nonsense Neutering and the Borough of Hellertown want to help reduce the number of feral cats in several "colonies" that have formed throughout town.

With that goal in mind, a free seminar on NNN's "Trap-Neuter-Return" program was held at Hellertown Borough Hall Feb. 28.

The program is being introduced in the borough at a time when there are at least several cat colonies causing issues for residents who live west of Main Street, Borough Manager Cathy Kichline said.

The borough is seeking grant money to help cover the per-cat fee that No Nonsense Neutering charges.

Known feral cat colonies exist near the Hellertown Democratic Club at the west end of Thomas Avenue, near the Front Street Apartments, and near the intersection of Main and Pine streets, Kichline said following the seminar.

Growth of the colonies has been encouraged by well-meaning residents and visitors known as "feeders" or "caretakers" who leave food outside for them, said Martha Kahan, President of No Nonsense Neutering.

Kahan, who led the workshop, stressed that developing a relationship with caretakers is vital to the success of any Trap-Neuter-Return initiative.

"Rather than being a punitive program, (Trap-Neuter-Return) is actually a community effort," she said, adding that information about the program is sometimes left at the home of someone who's been identified as a feeder.

Kahan also demonstrated the use of a type metal trap that's commonly used to catch cats before they are taken to one of No Nonsense Neutering's clinics to be spayed or neutered.

After the cats have the surgery, they are returned to where they were trapped, unable to reproduce.

Kahan said No Nonsense Neutering has reduced the feral cat population in eastern Pennsylvania by neutering approximately 20,000 felines over the last five years.

All cats that NNN treats are given vaccinations for rabies and distemper (if they're less than a year old), are ear-tipped and tattooed.

"We try to do the best we can for them," Kahan said.

She added that NNN receives much of its funding from grants, and called the Trap-Neuter-Return program "very cost-effective."

Kichline said the borough wants to get the word out about the program, especially with "kitten season" right around the corner.

The refundable fee to borrow a NNN cat trap is $20, but no one who wants to participate in the Trap-Neuter-Return effort will be denied access to one due to financial hardship, Kahan and Kichline said.

Residents who live near the cat colonies can also receive free cat deterrents for use in their yards, Kahan said, adding that the deterrents are very effective.

For more information about the Trap-Neuter-Return program or the deterrents, contact No Nonsense Neutering at 1-866-820-250 or 610-741-3437.

Information is also available online at www.nnnlv.org and at No Nonsense Neutering's Facebook page.