Vocabulary:

The following definitions are from the Alley Cat Allies terminology page:

• Feral Cat - A domestic cat that has reverted to the un-domesticated state after being lost or abandoned, or a cat that has born outside to stray or abandoned cats. (A feral cat can also be the offspring of feral cats who have lived apaart from human contact for some generations.) Feral cats live in family groups called colonies and can be found anywhere there is food. Feral cats can survive almost anywhere, and are found all over the world.
• Feral Cat Caretaker - An individual who has taken on the responsibility for the health and well being of a colony of feral cats. The caretaker feeds and waters the cats, provides shelter, and is responsible for humanely trapping and taking the cats to a veterinarian for vaccination and sterilization.
• FeLV, Feline Leukemia Virus - A retrovirus specific to cats that causes the eventual breakdown of the cat's immune system. While there is a vaccination, but no known cure, some cats who have contracted FeLV are able to live long healthy lives.
• FIV, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus - A retrovirus specific to cats that causes the eventual breakdown of the cat's immune system. While there is no known cure, some cats who have contracted FeLV are able to live long healthy lives.
• Humane Traps - A metal wire box rigged so that when an animal steps into it, the door closes, preventing the animal from leaving. These traps do not cause the animal any pain and are the only type of trap to be used for trap-neuter-return (TNR)(see Trap-Neuter-Return for definition). Non-domesticated animals are stressed and the trap should be covered with a towel.
• Managed Colony - A group of cats where all cats have been sterilized, vaccinated, provided food, and provided with shelter from inclement weather. The colony cats are healthier and no longer breeding. The caretaker regularly monitors the colony and individual cats. Feral cats are dependent on a caretaker(s) to enact this plan and provide long-term support. Besides the obvious advantage of population control, the cats are better able to care for themselves since they no longer have to put all of their energy into producing and caring for offspring. A properly managed colony is a healthy and stable colony in which no kittens are born.
• Rabies - A virus that effects the central nervous system of mammals, causing first encephalopathy and ultimately death. Although treatment is available for humans before symptoms start, after symptoms occur there is no cure. There is a vaccine available for animals and a pre-exposure series available for humans (however, post-exposure treatment in still required). In the United States, the most common natural vectors of rabies are raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. Animals such as dogs, cats, and cattle account for less than 10 percent of reported rabies cases and are not the primary vectors.
• Stray Cat - A domestic cat that has been abandoned or has strayed from home and become lost. Once a companion animal, a stray cat can usually be successfully placed back into a home.
• Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) - A humane and nonlethal approach to feral cat population control. A comprehensive management plan where healthy feral cats are sterilized and vaccinated, then returned to their habitat and provided with long-term care. Adoptable cats and kittens are placed into homes.
• Vacuum Effect - A situation arising when feral cats are removed from an environment. More cats, moving in to take advantage of whatever meager food source is available, will quickly fill this space. These new unsterilized cats will breed to the capacity of the site.

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