Our Mission

Begin by identifying where the cats are gathering, approximately how many there are, and whether kittens or sick/injured cats are present. Don’t worry about being exact—estimates are okay. This helps us understand urgency and next steps. 

Successful colony management works best when everyone is on the same page. For shared living communities, this includes property managers or owners. For private homes, this may involve nearby neighbors who interact with the cats. TIPS can provide talking points and printable materials to help guide these conversations. 

Once you’re ready, reach out to TIPS to begin the ColonyKind process. We’ll review your situation, confirm eligibility, and discuss available support such as trap loans, scheduling assistance, food resources, and guidance tailored to your location. 

TIPS helps coordinate spay/neuter appointments for community cats as availability allows. Trapping plans are created to minimize stress—for both cats and caregivers—and ensure humane, efficient care. 

After TNR, caretakers continue to monitor the colony by providing food, watching for new arrivals, and alerting TIPS if additional cats appear. With ongoing management, colonies stabilize, nuisance behaviors decrease, and kitten births stop. 

ColonyKind is a partnership. TIPS provides education, medical coordination, and resources—while caretakers and communities provide local insight, funding, and consistency. Together, we create humane, lasting solutions. 

ColonyKind is a community-based program that brings neighbors, caretakers, and property stakeholders together to humanely manage outdoor cat populations. Through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), basic medical support, and ongoing monitoring, colonies stabilize and gradually decline over time. TIPS provides guidance, resources, and coordination so cats are cared for responsibly and conflicts are reduced. The result is healthier cats, fewer kittens, and more peaceful neighborhoods. 

TIPS coordinates and supports humane care for community cats by organizing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), medical treatment, and follow-up care. 

We provide 

• Guidance
• Resources
• Program oversight to ensure colonies are managed responsibly and humanely

TIPS helps connect caretakers with supplies, appointments, and education while tracking progress and outcomes. Our role is to support the process—not replace the community partners who participate. 

TIPS CANNOT GUARANTEE FUNDING FOR EVERY CAT EVERY TIME.

Participants commit to: 

• Regularly monitoring and caring for the cats in their colony, including providing consistent food, water, and basic shelter when needed. 
• Work with TIPS on trapping, TNR appointments, and follow-up care as directed, including covering the primary costs associated with care. All costs will be explained upfront, and clearly. 
• Participants help observe new or injured cats and report changes promptly so issues can be addressed quickly. 
• Clear communication and cooperation are essential to the program’s success. We need active participation.

ColonyKind volunteers support community cats in many hands-on and behind-the-scenes ways. 

Opportunities include: 

• Trapping and transport for TNR
• Colony monitoring
• Food and supply distribution
• Administrative or outreach help
• Fundraising
• Mentoring

Volunteers may assist occasionally or take on ongoing roles based on availability and comfort level. Training and guidance are provided, and every role directly supports healthier cats and stronger neighborhoods.