Your Questions, Answered
Everything you want to know about TNVR, adoption, fostering, volunteering, and how to support the cats in our community.
About TNVR
What is TNVR?
TNVR stands for Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return. It's a humane, evidence-based approach to managing outdoor cat populations. Cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated against rabies, and returned to their territory. A small notch is tipped in one ear under anesthesia so they can be identified as altered.
Does TNVR actually reduce cat populations?
Yes — over time. Sterilized colonies can't reproduce, so their numbers naturally decline as cats age and pass. Studies show TNVR is far more effective at long-term population reduction than trap-and-remove approaches, which repeatedly fill the same ecological niche (known as the "vacuum effect").
Why not just remove the cats entirely?
Removing cats from an area creates a vacuum that other cats move into — often unsterilized, starting the cycle over. TNVR stabilizes the existing colony in place. Because the cats are already territorial, they keep new unsterilized cats out while their own population gradually declines.
Are community cats a threat to wildlife?
This is a real and important concern. TNVR stabilizes colony size and keeps cats in managed locations, which is more wildlife-friendly than an ever-growing unmanaged population. We also work with colony caretakers to site colonies away from sensitive wildlife habitat when possible.
Adoption
How do I adopt a cat through The Colony Cat Advocates?
Browse our available cats on the Adopt page, find one you'd like to meet, and submit an adoption application. We'll follow up to schedule a meet-and-greet and walk you through the rest of the process.
Can I adopt if I already have cats or dogs?
Yes, in many cases. We'll discuss your current pets during the application process and help match you with a cat whose history suggests they'll do well in a multi-pet household. Some of our cats are known to be great with dogs; others prefer to be the only cat.
Do you adopt outside of Wisconsin and Michigan?
We primarily serve adopters in Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, but we consider out-of-area applications case by case, especially for hard-to-place cats. Reach out to us directly if you're interested.
What is the adoption fee?
Adoption fees vary by cat and help offset the cost of spay/neuter, vaccines, microchipping, and any medical care the cat received in our care. Contact us for current fee information.
What if the adoption doesn't work out?
We ask that you return the cat to us rather than re-homing independently. We'd much rather take a cat back than have them end up in an uncertain situation. There's no shame in it — sometimes the fit just isn't right.
Fostering
What does fostering involve?
Fostering means temporarily opening your home to a cat or litter of kittens until they're ready for adoption. Stays range from a few weeks (for healthy adult cats) to a couple of months (for kittens or cats recovering from illness or surgery). We provide food, litter, supplies, and vet care.
Do I need experience to foster?
No. We train all of our fosters and pair newer fosters with more straightforward placements — healthy adults, friendly young cats. We'll match the foster cat to your experience level and home situation.
What if I fall in love with my foster cat?
"Foster failures" — fosters who end up adopting their foster cat — are one of our favorite outcomes. If you want to keep your foster, just let us know. We'll start your adoption paperwork.
Can I foster if I have other pets?
Often yes, with some thoughtful management. We'll talk through your home setup and match you with a cat whose history suggests they can handle other animals. Many of our fosters have resident pets.
I'm not ready to commit permanently. Can fostering be a one-time thing?
Absolutely. Some fosters take one cat per year; others have a revolving door. There's no minimum commitment beyond your current placement. We're just grateful for whatever you can offer.
Volunteering
How much time do I need to commit?
It depends on the role. Colony caretaking requires a daily feeding visit. TNVR trapping is seasonal and project-based. Social media help and board roles are remote and flexible. Visit our Volunteer page to see time estimates for each role.
Do I need to live in a specific area?
We operate primarily across Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan — areas like Rhinelander, Ironwood, Eagle River, and the surrounding communities. Some remote roles (social media, board operations) are open regardless of location.
What training do you provide?
We provide hands-on training for TNVR trapping, colony caretaking, and fostering. You won't be sent out alone until you're comfortable. Experienced volunteers are available by phone or text for questions as they come up.
I don't have a lot of time but still want to help. What can I do?
Even a few hours a year helps. Sharing our adoption posts online, donating supplies from our wish list, or attending one fundraiser all make a real difference. You don't have to be a full-time volunteer to be part of the community.
Donations & Support
How is my donation used?
Donations go directly to cat care: spay/neuter surgeries, vaccines, medical treatment for injured or sick cats, food and supplies for fosters, and trapping equipment for TNVR operations. We are volunteer-run, so donations are not used for salaries or overhead.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. The Colony Cat Advocates is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You'll receive a receipt for any online donation.
Can I donate supplies instead of money?
Yes! We maintain wish lists on both Chewy and Amazon for food, litter, medical supplies, and trapping equipment. Items ship directly to our fosters and volunteers. Links are in the footer under "Support Us."
Can I donate directly to cover a specific cat's care?
Yes. If you're following a cat in our care and want to sponsor their vet bills, reach out to us directly. We can set up a directed donation and keep you updated on how the cat is doing.
Does my local vet clinic participate in your program?
We partner with a network of clinics across the region for low-cost TNVR surgeries and reduced-cost care for fosters. Contact us to find out which clinics serve your area.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you want to adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, or simply learn more about our mission — we're so glad you're here.