The Trap, Test, Spay/
Neuter and Release Programme
BFAB volunteers man a 'hotline' that receives calls from residents and business owners about areas where feral cats can be found. BFAB traps the feral cats and tests them for FIV and FeLV. If a cat tests positive, or is very sick, it is euthanised. If it tests negative, the vet will spay or neuter the cat and a volunteer will return it to the place where it was trapped. BFAB encourages residents to fee the fixed cats to reduce the occurrence of scavenging and foster territorial behaviour that may discourage the intrusion of other cats into that area . To avoid cats being re-trapped, the vet notches the left ear which serves as an indicator that the animal is already altered.
Some facts to bear in mind:
- the reason feral cats are found in any particular location is due to the existing presence of a food source, usually household or restaurant garbage, however meagre;
- BFAB traps and releases cats in the place in which they were found - it does not seek to establish cat colonies where there are no feral cats to begin with;
- BFAB estimates that members have trapped over 16,000 cats since its inception.
- the percentage of cats that test positive for FIV or FeLV is gradually declining.
