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With more than 70% of cats entering shelters doomed to be killed there, (virtually 100% of feral cats), change is greatly needed. Alley Cat Allies has the tools to help you advocate on behalf of cats and demand change! Use our research to back your work and use our tools to network and organize.

• Community Relations Resource Center – Community relations—making yourself available, taking the initiative to communicate, providing first-hand knowledge and expertise on cat behavior, and following through on your promises—can save cats’ lives.
  
  
• Learn the Issues impacting feral cats
  
  
• Advocating for Stray and Feral Cats – A Quick Guide
  
  
• Organize Your Community for Strategic Change for Cats – Interested in changing your community’s ordinances or policies around TNR? You can campaign and organize to effect change to improve cats’ lives.
  
  
• Use Scientific Evidence to Support Your Work
  • Alley Cat Allies Research – This study of cat neuter rates shows that most intact cats are stray and feral—and underscores the need to address this population with available, affordable spay/neuter.
  • “Key Scientific Studies on Trap-Neuter-Return” – Reviews four studies showing that Trap-Neuter-Return is the humane and effective approach for managing feral cats.
  • Why Trap-Neuter-Return Feral Cats? The Case for Trap-Neuter-Return – This resource shares the scientifically-backed reasons to embrace and promote Trap-Neuter-Return! It stabilizes feral cat colonies; improves cats' lives; answers the needs of the community; protects cats' lives; and it works—other methods just don't.
  • Feral Cat Health Analysis: Living Healthy Lives Outdoors – Feral cats—or cats not socialized to humans—are healthy and content in their outdoor homes. Research shows they do not suffer harsh lives or pose a health risk to other cats.
  • Biology and Behavior of the Cat – Cats have lived outdoors for thousands of years—they are part of the natural landscape, and there are many biological and behavioral reasons why they are not a threat to other species. Studies prove that cats play important roles in balancing the local ecosystem.
  • The Vacuum Effect: Why Catch and Kill Doesn’t Work – Removing cats from an area by killing or relocating them is not only cruel—it’s pointless. Scientific research, years of failed attempts, and evidence from animal control personnel prove the vacuum effect and that catch and kill doesn’t permanently clear an area of cats.
  • Feral Cats and the Public—A Healthy Relationship: The science behind why feral cats are safe members of our communities – Public health policies all over the country reflect the scientific evidence: feral cats live healthy lives outdoors and don’t spread disease to people.
  • “Building the Body of Scientific Evidence that TNR Works” – Summarizes four articles reporting on different aspects of Trap-Neuter-Return programs, including feral cat health, colony caregivers, and the success of the programs.
    
    
• Understand Local Ordinances and Government Structures – Knowing and understanding your local laws about cats and TNR—as well as how they impact cats—is a must.
  • Find Information about Local Ordinances
  • Learn about Your Legal Options if Faced with Citations
    
    
• Implement Feline Friendly Shelter Practices – Learn what it will take for the agencies and shelters in your community to implement humane practices that serve the best interest of cats and the public.
  
  
• Work with the Media – Media coverage is one of the best ways to draw attention and support to your feral cat activities. Learn how to control your message.
  
  
• Shop – Use our materials to help spread the word about your work.

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