Resources
Helpful information for cat owners and rescuers
Whether you're a new cat owner, experienced foster parent, or community cat caretaker, we've compiled helpful resources to support you in caring for felines.
🐾 TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) Information▼
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the most humane and effective method for managing community cat populations. It stops the breeding cycle while allowing cats to live out their lives.
How TNR Works:
- Trap: Cats are humanely trapped using safe, specially designed traps
- Neuter: A veterinarian spays or neuters the cat and provides vaccinations
- Ear-Tip: The cat's left ear is "tipped" (a small portion removed) as a universal sign they've been fixed
- Return: The cat is returned to their outdoor home where caretakers provide food and shelter
Benefits of TNR:
- • Reduces the population of community cats over time
- • Eliminates mating behaviors (yowling, spraying, fighting)
- • Improves cats' health and quality of life
- • Creates more peaceful neighborhoods
- • Most cost-effective approach to managing community cats
Need help with TNR in Rutherford County?
RCCR can provide trap loans, guidance, and connect you with low-cost spay/neuter resources. Contact us for assistance.
🏠 New Cat Care Guide▼
Essential Supplies:
Basic Needs:
- • Litter box (one per cat, plus one extra)
- • Litter (clumping or non-clumping)
- • Food and water bowls (ceramic or stainless)
- • High-quality cat food
- • Carrier for vet visits
Enrichment:
- • Scratching post or pad
- • Toys (variety of types)
- • Cat tree or perches
- • Cozy bed or blankets
- • Grooming brush
First Week Checklist:
- ✓ Schedule a vet visit within 7-10 days for health check and vaccinations
- ✓ Set up a "safe room" with all essentials where your cat can adjust gradually
- ✓ Introduce slowly to other pets using scent swapping and supervised meetings
- ✓ Cat-proof your home by securing toxic plants, chemicals, and small objects
- ✓ Be patient - adjustment can take days to weeks depending on the cat
Feeding Guidelines:
- • Feed high-quality cat food appropriate for your cat's age and health
- • Provide fresh water daily
- • Avoid feeding dogs food, as it lacks essential nutrients cats need
- • Treats should be less than 10% of daily calories
- • Consult your vet about portion sizes to maintain healthy weight
🏥 Local Veterinary Resources▼
Here are veterinary resources serving Rutherford County and surrounding areas:
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics
Affordable options for spay/neuter surgeries and basic care:
- • PAWS of Rutherford County - [Contact information to be added]
- • Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) - [Contact information to be added]
- • Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) - Mobile clinic, schedule varies
General Practice Veterinarians
Full-service veterinary hospitals:
Brogli, Lane, Weaver, Alexander Animal Hospital
📞 (615) 728-3282
📍 1807 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
A full-service pet hospital that offers comprehensive medical services for cats and dogs in Murfreesboro and the surrounding areas.
Emergency Veterinary Services
24/7 emergency care:
veg ER for Pets
📞 (615) 502-3035
📍 207 Stones River Mall Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering emergency and urgent care for pets across Rutherford County and the surrounding area.
Note: RCCR does not endorse specific veterinarians but provides this list as a community resource. Always research and choose a vet that's right for you and your cat.
🚨 Emergency Cat Care▼
Seek Immediate Veterinary Care If Your Cat:
- ❗ Has difficulty breathing or is gasping
- ❗ Suffered severe trauma or injury
- ❗ Is unresponsive or having seizures
- ❗ Hasn't eaten or drunk water for 24+ hours
- ❗ Is straining to urinate or hasn't urinated in 12+ hours (especially males - this is life-threatening!)
- ❗ Has ingested poison or toxic substance
- ❗ Has pale gums, extreme lethargy, or collapse
- ❗ Is bleeding heavily or has deep wounds
- ❗ Has a distended, hard, or painful abdomen
Common Household Dangers for Cats:
Toxic Foods:
- • Onions, garlic, chives
- • Chocolate, caffeine
- • Grapes and raisins
- • Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
- • Alcohol
Toxic Plants:
- • Lilies (extremely toxic!)
- • Sago palm
- • Azaleas
- • Tulips and daffodils
- • Oleander
🐈 For RCCR Foster Cats:
If you're fostering a cat for RCCR and experience a medical emergency, contact your foster coordinator immediately. Do not delay emergency care—get to a vet first, then call us.
Poison Control Hotlines:
- • ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (fee may apply)
- • Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (fee may apply)
🎯 Cat Behavior & Training Tips▼
Litter Box Issues:
If your cat stops using the litter box:
- Rule out medical issues with a vet visit (UTI, kidney disease, etc.)
- Ensure you have enough boxes (one per cat plus one extra)
- Scoop daily and deep clean weekly
- Try different litter types or box locations
- Make sure boxes are in quiet, accessible locations
Scratching Solutions:
Cats need to scratch—it's natural behavior! Instead of fighting it:
- • Provide multiple scratching posts/pads in different locations
- • Try different materials (sisal, cardboard, carpet)
- • Place scratchers near where they sleep and in main living areas
- • Use catnip or treats to encourage use
- • Trim nails regularly or use nail caps
- • Never declaw - it's painful and causes long-term problems
Enrichment Ideas:
Keep your indoor cat happy and engaged:
- • Window perches for bird watching
- • Interactive toys and puzzle feeders
- • Rotate toys to keep them interesting
- • Vertical spaces (cat trees, shelves)
- • Daily play sessions (10-15 minutes)
- • Cardboard boxes and paper bags
🔗 Helpful External Resources▼
National advocacy organization for feral and stray cats, offering resources on TNR and colony care.
Comprehensive cat care guides covering health, nutrition, behavior, and general wellness.
Research-based feline health information from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Global organization dedicated to improving the health and welfare of cats through education and research.
Support and education for cat owners managing feline diabetes, including treatment guides and community forums.
Still Have Questions?
Check our FAQ page for answers to common questions, or reach out to us directly.
Note: The information provided here is for educational purposes. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian for medical advice specific to your cat.