Through funding provided by Humane Society of Macomb Foundation, Michigan Pet Fund Alliance (MPFA) has received $5,000 to fund one Community Cats TNR Grant. The grant opportunity is open to Michigan animal shelters and rescue organizations to launch a new Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program to save outdoor cats.

“Michigan Pet Fund Alliance is committed to ending outdated and inhumane ‘catch and kill’ policies to control cat populations,” said Deborah Schutt, MPFA founder and chairperson. “Although Michigan shelters achieved an overall save rate 90 percent in 2018, 7092 cats were killed in our shelters.”

Research shows that when free-roaming or feral outdoor cats are sterilized, vaccinated and returned to their neighborhoods with shelter and a food source, they can live nearly as long as indoor cats. Community cats can be beneficial to the neighborhood by keeping other cats away and controlling rodent populations.

The Community Cats TNR Grant cycle runs January 6 through February 14. Grant funds must be used to launch a new program to TNR a minimum of 20 cats before November 30, 2020. All cats must be sterilized, vaccinated for rabies, and ear-tipped prior to being returned to the location from where they were picked up. The grant can also be used to build outdoor cat shelters and create TNR kits, including traps and other supplies. To see a full list of requirements and to apply – click here.

After the Community Cats TNR Grant is awarded, MPFA plans to offer additional grant opportunities to fund existing Community Cats programs. Details will be announced in early spring, just prior to “kitten season”, when unaltered outdoor cats typically have their first litter of the year.