Trap
Neuter
Release
CAMPUS CATS TNR & RESCUE at
YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY
 Medusa Feral Cat at YSU |  Terra (Adopted) |  Mitzy (Male) Available for Adoption |
|---|---|---|
 Max & Aurora Feral Cats at YSU |  Ventus (Adopted) |  Lottie (Adopted) Feral Kitten at YSU |
 Smeckles Kittens |  Bart Stray Cat (Adopted) |  Scarlett (Adopted) |
 Annie (Adopted) |  Moo (Adopted) |  Stilts Stray found in Feral Colony (Adopted) |
 Billie Feral Cat at YSU |  Dotti (Adopted) |  Meshindi (Rest in Peace) |
 Cap Feral Cat at YSU |
Our Mission
Campus Cats is an non-profit organization ran by students at Youngstown State University.
All of our funding and operation is possible because of support from the public and fundraising. We do not receive government aid or financial support from the university.
Our mission is to spay & neuter the feral cats of Youngstown through our TNR program, and we also function as a rescue. We are one of the few rescues in the area who accept orphaned neonates, or babies who still require a bottle!
What is a feral cat?
Feral cats often behave like wild animals. They do not enjoy being around people and they are often very scared or aggressive. They do not enjoy being pet or cuddled. Unlike a stray cat, who might do well in a home, feral cats do better in the wild.
What if there is a cat who is not feral?
If there is a friendly cat among the feral cat colony who we believe would do better being placed in a home, we will do everything in our power to get the domestic stray off the streets and somewhere safe.
What is TNR?
TNR stands for trap, neuter, and release. The goal of the program is to trap feral cats, provide spays and neuters so they cannot reproduce, and then safely release them so that they can continue with their lives in the wild. This allows the cat to thrive in the environment it is used to, while also not adding more kittens to the population. Smaller populations of feral cats help keep the group healthy and it helps prevent the spread of diseases. With the trapping process, we are also able to help sick or injured feral cats get treatment.
What if there are kittens?
If there are kittens born to a feral cat, our goal is to not separate mom from the babies until they are weaned or close to being weaned, if possible. While the kittens are still young, we will try to catch them and train them to be house cats instead of feral. Kittens can usually be turned domestic quite easily. After mom is done nursing, we can get her spayed. However, if we find kittens who cannot stay with mom or who have been rejected/abandoned, we will take them into our care no matter the age and bottle feed them if we must (resource dependent).
Does Campus Cats do work for cats off YSU’s campus?
Sometimes, when we are able. There are very few rescues who are willing to take in neonates, or kittens who still require a bottle. If resources and space are fit, we will take them in. We also occasionally trap for feral cat colonies off campus when we are able, but our resources are focused on our campus cats and the adoptable cats under our care. We only take on new TNR projects and cats/ kittens when the conditions and timing are right.