Do you hear cute little meows whenever you go for a stroll around your neighborhood? I bet you do!
Wherever you go, there are playful furballs darting around, meowing for attention, and hefty chonks lounging in your path, begging for chin scritches and endless pets.
Chances are, you’ve encountered local community Cats – whether they’re friendly or prefer keeping their distance, they’re always around, each with a unique purr-sonality.
NOT A PACK BUT A CLOWDER
A group of community Cats in a specific area is called a colony. However, modern-day Cat enthusiasts often use the term “clowder” to describe this gathering. (But don’t get too hungry—it’s clowder, not chowder!)
Just a quick note, though, don’t mix it up with the words litter or littermates, which are only for adorable little Kittens. So, while a clowder represents a crew of adult Cats enjoying life, a litter is all about the tiny furballs stealing the spotlight!
The word “clowder” is derived from “cludder” (as in “clutter”) – bits of things coming together, lying around, or hanging out… just like our couch potato indoor Cats!
As Lindsay Lawson shares in her article for Catster, this word perfectly captures that laid-back vibe.
UNSUNG HEROES, OR MAYBE IT’S GIVING BUTLERS
Have you ever wondered how these community Cats seemingly look healthy? All thanks to our passionate volunteers who often look after them – the kind-hearted folks who make time, day in and day out, to feed, watch over, and help manage Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) efforts. These compassionate people make sure every Cat gets the care they need.
Most of the time, these efforts are organized by the following: animal rescue organizations that bring together a whole team; caretakers who know every Cat by sight and has likely named them; concerned neighbors who leave out food bowls and warm shelter; business and shop owners who let Cats hang around their storefronts; and, of course, the local volunteers who go above and beyond to support TNVR programs.
These people don’t just care; they’re deeply invested in the Cats’ well-being, ensuring they’re safe, healthy, and thriving outdoors.
Without them, community Cats won’t have the kind of support they’re receiving.
VERY DEMURE, VERY MINDFUL
We know they really got the rizz to attract us. But it’s important to remember that community Cats are a bit different: They have their own unique personalities and prefer the outdoors.
So, before you try to turn them into lap Cats, here are some things to keep in mind.
NO TOUCHIE!
First things first: Don’t touch or pet them! I know, it’s tempting to scoop them up, tuck them in your pocket, and take them home (trust me, I’ve felt the same urge).
But remember, community Cats can be unpredictable in temperament. Some can be spicy and often prefer their solitude. Resisting this temptation takes discipline, but it’s for everyone’s safety, including yours – so that you don’t get scratched – and theirs, to avoid unnecessary stress.
DON’T MOVE THEM AROUND
Don’t try to relocate community Cats. They’re incredibly territorial and have already staked out their place in their clowder.
Moving them might seem helpful, but it usually causes them stress. Instead, check with locals first to see if they’re owned or managed by a group of volunteers.
FEED WITH A PLAN
And while feeding community Cats is a kind gesture, make sure to do it with a plan. If there’s no TNVR in place, you might unintentionally contribute to overpopulation (it’s the “vacuum effect” – see next section).
Always pair your feeding efforts with a strategy for spaying or neutering. It’s all about keeping the balance while giving them the care they need.
CLEAN UP AFTER FEEDING
Don’t leave food out all day. Sure, feeding them is wonderful, but leaving food around 24/7 invites unwanted guests like Ants, Mice, and maybe even annoyed neighbors!
Instead, feed the Cats at consistent times to train them not to beg for extra meals. When they’re full, they’re much less likely to go dumpster-diving or scatter trash around the bins. Everybody wins!
DON’T TAKE THEM ALL HOME
Finally, don’t assume every community Cat needs to be rescued. Many live perfectly happy and healthy lives outdoors!
What they really need is a little love in the form of TNVR, along with some food and shelter – not necessarily an indoor life. Likewise, do not try to domesticate feral Cats!
Believe it or not, Cats often find their way back or end up in worse situations. It’s best to let them stay where they feel safe.
While Kittens can often be socialized, most adult ferals are thriving as independent outdoor adventurers, and they wouldn’t have it any other way!
WHY REMOVING COMMUNITY CATS IS A BIG YIKES
According to information posted by Cats of Illumina on Facebook, impounding or removing community Cats is ineffective for several reasons.
Have you heard of the vacuum effect? Removing Cats leaves a void that other unspayed and unvaccinated Cats quickly fill, continuing the cycle of overpopulation. Removing Cats can cause ecological imbalances, as they play a role in the local ecosystem like pest control. So, without them, Rodent and other animal populations can increase, leading to health risks and property damage.
Additionally, food sources like garbage or resident feeding remain, in turn attracting new animals and potentially worsening the problem. New Cats that move in are usually unspayed or unneutered, leading to even more rapid breeding and a larger feral population.
Have you heard of the vacuum effect? Removing Cats leaves a void that other unspayed and unvaccinated Cats quickly fill, continuing the cycle of overpopulation.
THEY ARE ALWAYS IN NEED OF HELP
If you’re looking to help community Cats, there are plenty of ways to get involved! Joining a local TNVR program is a great place to start. Whether you’re helping to trap the Cats, transporting them to the vet, or caring for them post-surgery, you’re already making an impact.
If you’ve got a soft spot for a group of Cats in your neighborhood, why not become their clowder caretaker? Set up a feeding schedule, keep an eye on their health, and even provide shelter when needed (this is where I started, too). Don’t forget to feed them with a plan of sterilizing them afterward!
According to the information provided by The Humane Society of the United States, not everyone knows how important TNVR is for community Cats. Spreading the word and raising awareness about it is already a huge step in helping them.
Just attending free seminars online on how to take care of Community Cats is already a big help. This teaches us to be aware of many things about them, especially to let them be in their clowders!
You can also foster Kittens if you find young ferals, giving them a chance at a happy home, or, if time is tight, you may donate supplies or funds to your local rescue – they’re always in need of help.
LOCAL COMMUNITY CAT ORGS NEED YOUR HELP!
Here are some community Cat groups you can tap and be of great help to.
(Cats of BGC | Facebook)
(Cats of BGC | Facebook)
Do you know of any other volunteer groups caring for community Cats? Leave us a message on our Facebook page – we just might feature them!
SPREAD THE WORD!
Managing community Cats is not always just feeding them by the road. It requires a compassionate approach, backed by well-studied, science-based plans like TNVR programs to keep things in check. These programs not only help control overpopulation but also ensure the Cats thrive in their environment.
By getting involved and spreading the word about these initiatives, we can create a better balance for everyone, Cats and humans alike. No matter how you choose to pitch in, every bit of effort helps these Cats live better lives.
