10/10/2026
Sept 2024- Oct 2026 Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR)
🌟 638 feral cats TNRed to dedicated feral colony carers.
This map has been produced by our volunteer Conor to demonstrate the number of feral cats part of our TNR projects.
Feline welfare remains the cornerstone of everything we do. Our primary mission is to improve the lives of unowned feral cats across the north coast, with TNR at the centre of our efforts. By humanely trapping feral cats, providing essential veterinary care (neutering), and returning them to their colonies, we are tackling the root cause of feline overpopulation.
TNR is not only the most humane approach—it is the only proven effective long-term solution to improving the welfare of our feral cat colonies.
Our TNR programme continues to be successful , thanks entirely to the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our supporters.
While we have been astonished by the sheer number of cats in need, this only underscores the importance of our work. We are encouraged that local councils, including Causeway Coast and Glens, have publicly recognised TNR as essential, and we will continue to campaign for stronger support from councillors and MLAs.
In an ideal world we would have all cats in loving homes and there would be no free roaming, non-neutered cats. It is due to lack of action across Northern Ireland, in particular the Causeway Coast and Glens that the cat population has continued to grow. Whilst, we have no research to determine the exact number of feral and stray free roaming cats, we can estimate there are thousands. Feral cats are not socialized to humans, meaning they have grown up with little to no human contact.
Whilst they are the same species as domestic cats, their socialization to humans is different. Meaning feral cats have not been exposed to human touch, interaction and playing. Therefore, making them fearful of humans and confinement.
Our mission is to save and improve the lives of as many feral cats as we can. Managing feral cat populations through rehoming alone is not possible.
The resources do not exist to socialize and adopt the thousands of feral cats in this country. Whilst we believe feral cats can be tamed in certain cases, during the time and energy that goes into attempting to socialise one feral cat, MANY cats could be neutered during this time and friendly cats rehomed- thereby having a real impact on reducing the number of cats/kittens struggling to survive outdoors.
Since we launched in 2024, we have been deeply moved by the compassion of local colony carers, whose kindness ensures that these cats live healthier, safer lives. Their dedication embodies the spirit of teamwork that makes NCCR’s mission possible.
Feral cats are a community issue and we are ALL the solution 💙
