National Feral Cat Day 2025: Why TNVR Works

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October 15, 2025

Quick Takeaways

Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) is the most effective, humane strategy to reduce feral cat populations.
National studies confirm TNVR decreases intake and euthanasia rates in shelters.
Spaying/neutering prevents breeding cycles and improves cat health.
Vaccination protects colonies and communities from disease spread.
Community caretakers are critical to the success of TNVR programs.
FAN Campaigns supported by GiluFunds make TNVR accessible to more rescuers.
National Feral Cat Day is a chance to advocate, donate, and take action locally.
Every purchase from GiluCats fuels GiluFunds’ TNVR and rescue initiatives.

Why National Feral Cat Day Matters

October 16 is National Feral Cat Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the lives of outdoor cats and the strategies proven to help them. Founded by Alley Cat Allies, the campaign highlights TNVR as the gold standard for controlling feral cat populations without resorting to inhumane methods.

This year, Gilu joins the movement by advocating for TNVR, supporting rescuers through the FAN Campaign Hub, and inviting communities to take part in building lasting solutions.

What Is TNVR and Why Does It Work?

TNVR = Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return.
– Trap: Cats are safely humanely trapped.
– Neuter: They’re spayed/neutered to stop reproduction.
– Vaccinate: Cats are vaccinated against rabies and other preventable diseases.
– Return: Healthy cats are returned to their outdoor homes, where they can live without contributing to overpopulation.

👉 According to UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, TNVR not only reduces colony size but also stabilizes community dynamics, improving quality of life for both cats and neighbors.

The Proven Success of TNVR

Research Highlights:
– Alley Cat Allies reports TNVR has reduced shelter intake by up to 66% in some communities.
– Cities that adopt TNVR see fewer kittens born outdoors, lowering euthanasia rates in shelters.
– Vaccinated colonies are healthier, lowering the risk of disease spread to other cats and pets.

Community Benefits:
– Fewer nuisance behaviors like yowling, spraying, or fighting.
– Stabilized colonies prevent new, unsterilized cats from moving in.
– Cost savings for municipalities and shelters compared to trap-and-kill approaches.

The Role of Caretakers in TNVR

Colony caretakers are the backbone of TNVR. Their work includes:
– Monitoring colonies for new arrivals.
– Providing food, water, and safe shelter.
– Coordinating veterinary appointments for spay/neuter.
– Ensuring cats are vaccinated and ear-tipped for identification.

Many caretakers pay out of pocket or rely on grassroots fundraising. That’s where FAN Campaigns—powered by GiluFunds—make a difference.

FAN Campaigns: Expanding TNVR Access

Through the Feline Assistance Network (FAN) Campaign Hub, rescuers and caretakers can request funding for TNVR initiatives. Every donation goes directly to campaigns, ensuring more cats are trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, and safely returned.

When you support FAN, you:
– Cover surgery and vaccination costs.
– Provide equipment like humane traps.
– Help caretakers sustain colonies responsibly.
– Ensure the cycle of overpopulation is broken humanely.

🐾 Explore active campaigns in the FAN Hub to see how your contribution can save lives.

Advocacy Beyond the Colony

National Feral Cat Day isn’t only about rescue—it’s about policy and public perception.

– Legislation: Advocates across the U.S. are pushing for laws that recognize TNVR as the humane solution to community cat overpopulation.
– Education: By sharing accurate information, we fight myths that feral cats can’t be helped.
– Community Action: Volunteers, donors, and shoppers create the ecosystem of support TNVR programs need to thrive.

Key Takeaway

TNVR works—research proves it, communities need it, and cats deserve it. On National Feral Cat Day, we honor the caretakers, volunteers, and donors who make this life-saving work possible.

How You Can Take Action Today

At Gilu, we believe every cat deserves a chance at a safe, healthy life. Here’s how you can help:

– Donate to the Purr-sistence Fund to fund ongoing TNVR programs.
– Support FAN Campaigns in the FAN Hub to help rescuers on the ground.
– Shop the GiluCats Collections—15% of every purchase funds TNVR and rescue efforts.
– Share this article to raise awareness about TNVR’s proven success.

Together, we can ensure feral cats aren’t forgotten, but protected, respected, and humanely cared for.