There are an estimated 400,000 stray and feral cats living on the streets of Philadelphia. The health and safety of these cats, and the communities where they live, depend on the efforts of community cat caretakers and the availability of Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programs. That’s why PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society), the city’s largest rescue partner and provider of affordable veterinary care, partners with community cat caretakers to make TNR services widely available, at little or no cost to them. To help fuel this effort, on Wednesday, July 9, PAWS will launch a two-day TNR Triple Matching Challenge, ensuring critical funding is available to sustain and grow this lifesaving work. Thanks to the generosity of several anonymous supporters, every donation will be tripled, up to $25,000.

For years, the prevailing response to feral and stray cats was to remove them and bring them to already-overburdened shelters — a practice that often led to euthanasia, since many outdoor cats are under socialized and not adoptable. But this outdated approach is not only inhumane; it’s also ineffective. Removing cats creates a “vacuum effect,” allowing new cats to move in and continue the cycle. Community cats, whether feral, friendly, or in between, can live safe, healthy lives outdoors with the help of caring neighbors, and TNR is a key component to making that possible.

By vaccinating against preventable disease and preventing the birth of additional litters, TNR saves lives, protects the well-being of community cats, and reduces the homeless pet population — all vital to PAWS’ goal of making Philadelphia a no-kill city. As part of its commitment to providing affordable veterinary care, PAWS’ services include high-volume spay/neuter surgeries, performing over 13,000 annually, of which approximately 2,500 are for TNR.

Dozens of organizations and hundreds of individuals around the city dedicate countless hours to TNR, performing this loving and often challenging work on their own time and at their own expense. Through its TNR Voucher Program, PAWS offers free or subsidized spay/neuter and vaccinations to community cat caregivers nearly seven days a week, ensuring that the amazing people who care for these special cats are well supported in their vital efforts. Funds raised through the TNR Triple Matching Challenge will go directly towards making these services available for community cat trappers and caretakers across Philadelphia.

TNR is known to reduce fighting among male cats, which lowers the risk of injury and disease transmission. It also reduces shelter intake, easing overcrowding and lowering euthanasia rates. Neutered cats are less likely to yowl, spray, or fight, making life more peaceful for both the cats and their human neighbors. PAWS’ voucher program has been a huge help in my work with community cats by covering neutering, rabies shots, and more, all for free!” – Shannon L., community cat caretaker

TNR advocate Mary Grace Joyce has been caring for community cats in Philadelphia since 2022. Each day, she feeds a colony that has found refuge on her property, many of whom she’s trapped, neutered, and returned through PAWS’ TNR program. Thanks to her dedication, these cats are not only preventing further litters but also getting the medical care they desperately need. Cats like the one pictured, who was found in poor shape, would continue to suffer without intervention from trappers like Mary Grace. Her efforts give these often-overlooked animals a second chance at a healthier, safer life outdoors.

“Adoption is so important, but Philadelphia is full of cats that will never be suited to life indoors even if there were enough people to house them,” says Mary Grace. “TNR ensures that fewer cats are born into these circumstances and that existing community cats can live better, healthier lives.”

Thanks to PAWS’ support, Mary Grace has been able to care for the cats on her property in a meaningful, sustainable way. “I’ve had about ten cats just from those who wander through my backyard TNR’d at PAWS, something I would never have been able to do if I needed to pay for surgery out of pocket,” she explains. “It’s so rewarding knowing these cats are vaccinated, at risk for fewer health conditions, and not adding to the population.”

Over time, May Grace has witnessed firsthand how this care transforms lives. Once wary cats have become calmer and healthier, and the overall number of newcomers has started to decline. TNR not only reduces the population, but it also protects community cats through vaccinations and improved health, while benefiting neighborhoods through natural rodent control. With so many cats still in need, PAWS urges animal lovers to support its TNR efforts — helping caretakers like Mary Grace, and the cats who depend on them.

Thanks to PAWS’ TNR Voucher Program, cat trapper Ivy H. no longer wake up to cats screeching, fighting, and mating at 5am. Dozens of cats in Grays Ferry now peacefully coexist in harmony.

Community cat caretaker Veronica shares a message with folks considering supporting TNR: “TNR is not just about controlling cat populations — it’s about compassion, coexistence, and community. Every cat deserves a life free from suffering, and TNR gives community cats a chance at that life. By humanely trapping, sterilizing, and returning these cats to their familiar territory, we prevent the endless cycle of breeding, hunger, disease, and conflict.”

PAWS is truly grateful to Philadelphia’s generous, dedicated, and caring community cat caretakers. If you have a community cat who needs to be spayed or neutered, please contact PAWS’ clinic in Grays Ferry at (215) 298-9680 or gfclinic@phillypaws.org; or PAWS’ clinic in Northeast Philadelphia at (215) 545-9600 or neclinic@phillypaws.org. For more information on PAWS’ TNR Triple Matching Challenge and how you can access services or crucial TNR support efforts, please visit phillypaws.org.