FAQ
General Information
-
What is TNR La Pêche?
TNR La Pêche is a volunteer-run initiative focused on controlling the overpopulation of feral, stray, and abandoned cats in La Pêche through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts and community education.
-
What does "TNR" mean?
TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Return. It’s a humane method where feral or stray cats are trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, and returned to their outdoor colonies to live out their lives without reproducing.
-
Are you a registered non-profit organization?
Yes, we are a registered not-for-profit organization through the Registraire des entreprises (Registraire des entreprises Québec).
-
Can you give tax receipts for donations?
No, we are a registered not-for-profit organization, but not a registered charity, therefore we cannot issue tax receipts.
-
How is TNR La Pêche funded?
We rely on donations, fundraising events, and small grants. We are pleased to have been approved for a small grant from the Municipality of La Pêche’s Green Fund recently.
-
What does my donation help with?
100% of funds go toward vet care, food, and supplies for the cats in our care and to support low-income residents with sterilization costs.
TNR, Feral, and Stray Cats
-
Why return the cats after sterilizing them?
Feral cats are not socialized to humans and are happier and healthier in their outdoor territories. Returning them prevents the vacuum effect – what happens when cats are removed from an area, but the conditions that attracted them—like food and shelter—are still there. New unsterilized cats from will move in to take advantage of the available resources.
-
I'm a resident of La Pêche and see stray or feral cats. What should I do?
Reach out to us! We can help assess the situation. You can be a part of the solution to this problem and help us identify areas in La Pêche that have unsterilized cat colonies.
If you are not a resident of La Pêche, please contact an organization in your region, like the SPCA Outaouais.
-
What’s the difference between a stray and a feral cat?
Stray cats were once pets and may be friendly or become friendly again. Feral cats are unsocialized and often avoid human contact.
-
Can I surrender my cat to TNR La Pêche?
No. We are not a shelter. We may be able to make a courtesy post on our social media to help find a new home.
-
What happens to adoptable cats you find during TNR?
Cats that show signs of being friendly or re-socializable are placed in foster homes, vetted, and eventually adopted out through our network.
Fostering & Adoption
-
How can I become a foster?
We’re always looking for responsible, cat-savvy fosters! Send us an email at tnr.lapeche@gmail.com to learn more.
-
What support do fosters receive?
We cover vet bills, supplies including food, litter, litter boxes and more. We also provide guidance on cat behaviour, socialization, and introducing cats to new environments.
-
What are fosters required to do?
Fosters are required to provide a home. They have daily responsibilities, including feeding and playing with their cat daily to help socialize them, and litter box cleaning. Fosters transport their cats to at least 1-2 appointments (e.g., sterilization, health check ups, vaccinations). Some cats need special care, so fosters may administer treatments. Fosters must follow all guidelines.
-
How do I adopt a cat from TNR La Pêche?
Email us at tnr.lapeche@gmail.com with the name of the cat or kitten you are interested in! We have a comprehensive application process to help match cats and potential adopters based on lifestyle and needs.
-
How much is your adoption fee?
The adoption fee varies: $295 for a kitten, $550 for two kittens, $275 for an adult cat, and $500 for two adult cats.
This fee helps us cover essential veterinary care, including: health exams by our trusted vets, deworming, vaccines (FVRCP and rabies), sterilization (spay surgery), and microchipping.
Financial Help
-
I can't afford to sterilize my cat. Can you help?
Yes! We offer subsidized spay/neuter appointments for residents of La Pêche with financial need. Contact us at tnr.lapeche@gmail.com to see if you qualify.
-
Are your vet services free?
No, but thanks to donations, we can cover or significantly reduce costs.
Community & Involvement
-
Do you trap cats year-round?
Yes, but mostly from spring to fall. Emergencies are handled year-round when possible.
-
Can I volunteer without fostering or trapping?
Absolutely! We need help with transportation, fundraising, event planning, admin tasks, and spreading the word.
-
What should I do if I find kittens outside?
Observe first. If the mother is around and the kittens are safe, it's often best to wait until they are old enough for TNR or fostering. Contact us for guidance.
Medical
-
Do you vaccinate the cats?
All adoptable cats receive the rabies and FVRCP vaccines. Feral cats may be vaccinated in certain circumstances.
-
What if a cat is sick or injured?
We assess each case individually and work with local vets to get urgent care if needed.
-
Which vets do you use?
We stay as local as possible, using the Clinique Veterinaire De La Gatineau and Dr Frances Dugan in Duclos. We also work with the Lanark Leeds Greenville Spay Neuter Clinic in Brockville, Ontario.
-
Do you sterilize the cats?
Yes. All of TNR La Pêche’s cats have been or will be sterilized.
Adoptable cats will receive a microchip, while feral cats will have their ear-tipped.