Community cat is an umbrella term that includes any un-owned cat. These cats may be “feral” (un-socialized) but friendly, both can thrive in a community. Many of these cats have been born in the wild or may be lost of abandoned pet cats. Some community cats are routinely fed by community members and consider their community their “home”

TNR colony managers serve as our on-the-ground contact, they provide food and water daily, are actively working towards spaying and neutering their community, and maintaining a healthy and thriving cat community. Citizens must be feeding in a way that does not attract wildlife, must have permission of property owner/manager if the colony is not on either their own property or on city property, and they must live inside the Houston city limits, as well as the colony.

As a Colony Manager, you are responsible for ensuring compliance with the City of Houston ordinance regarding feral and stray cats. Here’s what you need to know:

Spay/Neuter Commitment: You must actively work to spay, neuter, and ear-notch all cats in the colony. Failure to be proactive can result in citations, even if you are a registered Colony Manager.
Feeding Guidelines: Feed cats at set times and in a way that does not attract other wildlife (e.g., raccoons, possums). Leaving food out all day or scattering food may lead to citations if complaints arise.
Property Permissions: You must have permission from the property owner or manager unless feeding on your own property or city property.
Limitations of the Program: Registration does not provide legal protection against neighbor complaints, threats, or neighborhood association rules.

If being a colony manager is not an avenue you wish to embark upon, BARC is still here to offer assistance. Some options available would be: