Since launching its Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program on Oct. 7, 2024, Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals (FAUNA) has helped city and parish residents trap, spay or neuter, and return 318 stray and feral cats to their colonies across Natchitoches Parish.
The program began through a $7,000 grant from the Dallas-based Summerlee Foundation, which supports animal protection initiatives. That funding has since been fully used, and FAUNA now relies solely on community donations to continue its work.
TNR programs play a vital role in stabilizing and reducing feral cat populations. A single unspayed female cat and her kittens can produce up to 2,000 cats within four years and more than 2 million by year eight without intervention. Feral cats also serve a purpose in the ecosystem by controlling rodents and pests, but unchecked population growth can quickly overwhelm colonies.
Through TNR, cats are safely trapped, sterilized, vaccinated for rabies, ear-tipped for identification, and returned to their colonies. This approach prevents further breeding, reduces nuisance behavior, and improves the overall health and stability of community cat populations.
FAUNA’s volunteers work individually and in teams throughout the parish, covering areas such as Parc Natchitoches, the Washington Street Boat Launch, MLK, Williams Avenue, and Fourth Street, as well as rural communities including Fairview Alpha, Robeline, Provencal, Ashland, Cloutierville, and Clarence. Some colonies contain 20–30 cats, while most range from 10–20.
According to FAUNA, these efforts have prevented thousands of kittens from being born into hardship and have contributed to a more balanced and humane approach to animal population control. Cats with a clipped ear indicate they have been fixed, vaccinated, and returned to their colony.
With the original grant funds now depleted, FAUNA’s continued success depends on donations from the public. Every contribution goes directly toward surgeries, vaccines, and necessary supplies to sustain the program.
The Natchitoches Animal Control Shelter has also launched its own TNR initiative within city limits, funded by a grant from Best Friends Animal Society. This allows FAUNA to focus on colonies throughout the parish while the shelter manages efforts inside the city.
Residents with feral cats in their area can contact FAUNA at npfauna@gmail.com for assistance outside the city limits or Natchitoches Animal Control Shelter at 318-357-3885 for colonies within city limits.
Donations to support FAUNA’s TNR program can be made online at http://www.npfauna.org/donate, with contributions designated for TNR.
