TNVR Operation Humanely Reduces Free-roaming Cat Overpopulation

 Levy County, Florida (February 4, 2025) – RedRover® was on the ground over the last few days helping Operation Catnip and the Town of Inglis for a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) operation for 185 free-roaming community cats. This event was made possible by the BISSELL Pet Foundation and brought approximately $20,000 worth of FREE veterinary services to the community.

RedRover and Operation Catnip have partnered on multiple Coastal Cats deployments because the need is so great: a growing population of free-roaming cats in areas vulnerable to hurricanes and storm surge. Cat overpopulation in these areas poses a serious risk of suffering in the event of hurricanes and flooding.

“Through our partnership with Operation Catnip and with support from our dedicated RedRover Responders volunteers, we’re working alongside the Town of Inglis to address the community cat population in this disaster-prone region,” said Beth Gammie, Director of Field Services at RedRover. “Proactive efforts like this benefit both the cats and the community, and we are truly grateful to the BISSELL Pet Foundation for their support.”

 In addition to the TNVR operation, teams also treated the cats for parasites (fleas and worms), as well as other injuries or illnesses as needed. The cats are being returned to the specific location where they were trapped after the operation. The team worked with local community cat caregivers ahead of time who signed up for the program.

Operation Catnip Executive Director Audrey Garrison said, “These deployments to storm-surge and flood prone areas have proven to be so impactful for the cats, the community, and the caregivers. And, the impact has been long-lasting, with the local leaders continuing to manage community cats after the events.”

RedRover sent a Team Leader, 2 staff, and 10 RedRover Responders volunteers who teamed up with Catnip staff and volunteers to humanely trap and transport cats to and from the temporary shelter, where they also cared for the cats and ensured they had food, fresh water, and a clean space.

“Thank you to Operation Catnip, RedRover, and BISSELL Pet Foundation for offering a program so vital to this area,” said Town of Inglis Animal Control Officer/Cruelty Investigator Sheryl Ayers. “There is a dire need to manage the overwhelming community cat population we have here by coastal waters, and we wouldn’t be able to perform such a large-scale operation without their help! ”

 You can support efforts like these by donating to our Coastal Cats campaign: bit.ly/CoastalCats

To learn how to become a RedRover Responders volunteer, visit: redrover.org/volunteer.

###