Triple R Pets

08/01/2024

“Return” not “release.”

📚 Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: the "return" part of TNR (trap/neuter/RETURN)
Why do we RETURN cats and not "get rid" of them? 🤔

The R in "TNR" stands for RETURN. After we've trapped and taken the cat to the clinic for spay/neuter, vaccines and ear tip, we RETURN them to the place where they were captured. We DO NOT release them to a different area, nor do we euthanize them.
Community cats (the umbrella term for stray, feral and unowned outdoor cats) live in a 3-mile radius. Within this territory, they have established resources for food and shelter. This is their home and the area which sustains them; do not remove them from it (unless their lives are in danger).

Community cats are territorial and will protect their territory from outside cats. When you TNR a cat and return it to its territory, it will 1) no longer contribute to overpopulation, 2) defend its territory from outside cats, and 3) be a peaceful neighbor as undesirable habits like fighting, spraying and yowling will have been eliminated through spay/neuter. Theoretically, if you TNR all cats within a territory, the colony should die out over time.

👉 Why do we not trap and kill? Two very important reasons: it's inhumane and it doesn't solve the problem of overpopulation. Cats are territorial! When you remove cats from a territory, other/new cats come in to take advantage of the resources in that territory. This is known as "the vacuum effect." If you "catch and kill," you'll forever be in a cycle of trapping and removing cats. It's better--and more humane--to TNR, bring those cats back to the territory, and let them defend it.

Some people who call for help with cats on their property and are unfamiliar with TNR are surprised to learn that the cats will be returned. When we explain why we RETURN and not kill, they understand the science and allow the cats to return. Education is key!!! 💡 Share your knowledge to protect and improve the lives of our community cats!

Original content provided by Stray Cat Project.






💙🐱

06/01/2024

Coordinated trapping by TripleR Pets in Palos Hills IL

23/12/2023

Female cats are “seasonally polyestrous”, meaning they have multiple estrus cycles during the breeding season. As the amount of daylight begins to increase at the winter solstice, the reproductive cycle of intact females kicks into gear, and most will go into heat by late January. A female cat will keep coming back into heat every 1 to 2 weeks until she gets pregnant, or the amount of daylight decreases (October). The feline gestation period is 63 days (give or take), so the first kittens of the season can start arriving as early as February.

NOW is the ideal time time to neuter community cats to get ahead of kitten season and end the breeding cycle before it starts.

06/12/2023

Winter Community Cat Feeding Tip ...

Outdoor community cats need extra calories in the winter to keep extra fat layers on their bodies to keep them warmer in the winter.

Feeding adult food mixed with some kitten food (which has more calories than adult food) is a good option in the winter months.

⚠️ Mix small amounts of kitten food gradually so the cats' tummies don't get upset.

🚩It is only necessary to feed more calories during the colder months.

❗️If you're feeding community cats - thank you - but please make sure they are spayed & neutered! Reach out to us if you need resources.

02/12/2023

02/12/2023

Learn how to TNR this Saturday, December 2
https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5162202024417496160
Neighborhood Cats
TNR Certification Workshop
Sat, Dec 2, 2023, 2 - 4:30pm ET
(or watch the recording)

Become part of the solution for feral and stray cats in your neighborhood! Learn how to do Trap-Neuter-Return at our popular virtual training. We'll teach you what TNR is, why it's a great idea and how to do it. Topics include dealing with neighbors, all aspects of trapping, and basic colony care. By the end, you'll know how to safely and effectively get your colony cats fixed.

Instructed by Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond of Neighborhood Cats, hosted by the Community Cats Podcast and sponsored by Tomahawk Live Trap. Participants receive a Certificate of Attendance and animal control officers are eligible for Continuing Education Units from the National Animal Care & Control Association. $10 course fee.

Extra info on local TNR resources will be available to residents of New York City, Washington DC and Iowa. (Please note: availability of discount spay/neuter in NYC is limited at this time and the ASPCA is not accepting new rescuer accounts for their free spay/neuter services.That said, if you're in NYC, we'll help you find a vet!)

Can't make it live? To become certified, register for the December 2 session and view the recording by December 9. Follow the link above to reserve your spot!

08/11/2023

We're Having a Pop-Up Food Pantry this Saturday November 11th 11:00a.m. to Noon, 812 Vinewood Ave. Willow Springs, IL 60480

We are having a Pop-Up Food Pantry because we have been fortunate in acquiring a supply of high quality wet food for our ferals: Friskies Ocean Favorites Salmon, Shrimp & Brown Rice In Sauce Wet Cat Food. No dry food will be available.

Details: Doors for the Food Pantry will open no earlier than 11:00 a.m. We will remain open until Noon or until we run out of food. The same amount of nutritious food will be given to each Caretaker. No advance sign-up is needed. For more info and a map: https://conta.cc/4708i1i

05/11/2023

If you have rented a Trap from Triple R Pets and have NOT returned it, all Traps need to be returned in good condition by November 20, 2023.

Traps are the lifeblood of our TNR mission. Our Tomahawk traps retail at $80 plus shipping. If we are required to replace ten missing traps, that cost is the equivalent of ten feral cat spay/neuter surgeries. Please help us by returning your traps!

For information and a map of where to return them see: https://conta.cc/45YzPPm

29/10/2023

24/10/2023

I’m sure there are many of you who have called off trapping sessions because of the rain and/or possibly snow. Personally, this kind of weather has never hindered my trapping experience. The wind on the other hand is a whole other story. Cats still show up through rain and snow, but I believe they’re no shows in wind conditions because it makes it difficult to hear predators.

There’s my two cents. Take it for what it’s worth. 🤷🏻‍♀️

23/10/2023

Triple R Pets owes its volunteers an ENORMOUS debt of gratitude for all their hard work, dedication and generosity in making Shelter from the Storm – Feral Fest a rousing success.

We constructed 70 insulated shelters filled with straw that will keep numerous feral cats warm this winter. They send a heart-warming thank you too.

And the money raised at Feral Fest will help pay for those important TNR surgeries that reduce the number of cats euthanized at shelters.

“Thank you” to everyone involved!

21/10/2023

The truck is loaded, seventy winter shelters.

14/10/2023

Update! There are Still Styrofoam Shelters, Straw and Raffle Tickets Left to Buy!

Help Triple R Pets continue to help you do the important TNR work for our feral cats. Click Here https://triplerpets.org/shelters2023 to Purchase Your Shelters, Straw and Raffle Tickets Online!

09/10/2023

Raffle to Benefit the Outside Cats of Triple R Pets!!! at Shelter from the Storm! Saturday, October 21 10:00 to Noon, 15722 Lorel Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452 .

Great Raffle Prizes, $10 per Ticket Buy Online at https://triplerpets.org/shelters2023 or at the Fest.
Drawing at Noon. Winner Need Not be Present. Small Charge for Delivery

Two Outdoor Waterproof Cat Shelters
Wooden exterior, fully insulated
Completely assembled
Shingles Roof
Raised floor
Comes filled with straw
Approximately 22 x 23.2 x 37 inches
Retail cost: $150
For more information on the shelters see: https://conta.cc/46wQJVL

09/10/2023

Unloading straw to get ready for Feral
Fest.

05/10/2023

Has your cat ever pestered you about home ownership and the rate of return on a mortgage? If they have, you may have an investment-minded feline on your hands. We are offering two unique properties for your perusal and raffle.

Our first offering, with its barn-inspired construction and three levels, is sure to whet your cat's appetite for modern farmhouse renovations. Each level allows your kitty to climb and crawl, while outside ledge is the perfect spot for a cat nap.

The second offering is a luxury Two-Tier Wooden Cat House with Waterproof Roof, Door Flaps and a Picture Window! It’s a paw-some two-story home where your furry friend can have a quiet, comfortable snooze or enjoy some fun playtime.

Both homes are crafted of solid pine with a weatherproof finish and are fully insulated with 1/2 inch insulation board.

Tickets are $10 each and you can buy Online https://triplerpets.org/shelters2023 at or at the Shelter from the Storm Fest. Drawing at Noon, Winner Need Not be Present, Pick-up or a Small Charge for Delivery. For more information about the Fest and the Cat Houses see here: https://conta.cc/46wQJVL

04/10/2023

FINAL UPDATE: Thanks to all those supporters who donated Styrofoam boxes to keep the cats warm this winter. We now have enough to keep up with all orders.

UPDATE. We had a good response to our request for the Nutrisystem Styrofoam boxes, but we need about 20 more to be able to build our shelters.
Other boxes are good too. Standard size approximately 20 x 20 x 15.
We have drop off centers in Willow Springs, and Oak Forest Illinois.

Does anyone take NutriSystem and be willing to donate the styrofoam boxes to Triple R Pets so we can turn them into shelters for our fundraiser.

01/10/2023

Feral Fest is Coming!!!! Shelter from the Storm! Saturday, October 21, 10:00 to Noon, Oak Forest, IL Come to Pick Up your Pre-Ordered Shelters or Just to Have Fun! Raffle, Friends, Fellowship

Order an Assembled Winter Shelter
Our Assembled Shelter Fundraiser is open to Feral Cat Caretakers registered with an approved Cook County TNR Sponsor. Please note that there is a limit of TWO shelters of each type per caretaker since our quantities are limited this year (total of four shelters per caretaker). All shelters must be pre-ordered and pre-paid and picked up at the Fest. For more information see: https://conta.cc/46wQJVL To order shelters, go to: https://triplerpets.org/shelters2023

20/09/2023

UPDATE. We had a good response to our request for the Nutrisystem Styrofoam boxes, but we need about 20 more to be able to build our shelters.
Other boxes are good too. Standard size approximately 20 x 20 x 15.
We have drop off centers in Willow Springs, and Oak Forest Illinois.

Does anyone take NutriSystem and be willing to donate the styrofoam boxes to Triple R Pets so we can turn them into shelters for our fundraiser.

20/09/2023

16/09/2023

We get so many calls about "removing" cats or "relocating" cats or "placing" cats. We have to be the bearer of bad news letting folks know that relocating community (aka feral cats) cats — especially as a group — is an enormous undertaking that can be very stressful for the animals, as well as the people who care for them. Therefore, it should be considered only as a last resort.

* The Problem With Relocation and Eradication *

Some people advocate relocating or “putting down” feral cats instead. Relocation may sound like a humane solution, but it is ultimately ineffective due to the “vacuum effect.” Feral cats gather where there are resources: food, water, and shelter. When an existing colony is relocated (or eradicated), before long a new flock of feral cats will discover the same resources and move in to “fill the vacuum.”

Relocation is unappealing for other reasons. Because cats are very territorial, a relocated cat may try to find its way home, suffering an accident or death on the way. The relocation area may already have an established colony or it may lack food, water, or shelter. Unless a colony’s life is in danger, most experts agree that relocation is almost always a bad solution.

Most people are not willing to support eradication, either. With a TNR effort, “people will give their time, money, and resources,” says Slater, author of Community Approaches to Feral Cats. “But if you’re catching and euthanizing cats, in most cases you just won’t get volunteers to do that.”

She also sees TNR as a teaching tool. “It gets people to think about how we can prevent cats from ending up on the street and how we can manage cat populations.”

*Text from webmd.com/pets/cats/helping-stray-and-feral-cats

13/09/2023

We're Having a Pop-Up Cat Food Pantry this Saturday September 16th! Noon to 1:00p.m. 812 Vinewood Ave. Willow Springs, IL 60480

Details: Doors for the Food Pantry will open no earlier than Noon. We will remain open until 1:00p.m. or until we run out of food. The same amount of nutritious food will be given to each Caretaker. No advance sign-up is needed. for more information see: https://conta.cc/48brfyU