PawsWatch is a volunteer network, spread throughout Rhode Island. Individuals all over the state work together using whatever resources are convenient to their locations, to implement the "TNRM" program which is led nationally by Alley Cat Allies of Washington, DC. (visit www.alleycat.org) PawsWatch is Rhode Island's branch of a large and growing grassroots effort to transform the population of "street cats" into healthy, managed colonies, which will then decline through attrition instead of killing.

TNRM stands for "Trap, Neuter, Release and Monitor." This approach to helping feral (means, not entirely domesticated) cats has been practiced in Denmark, England, and the United States for 15 years, and is now spreading all around the world. Basically, instead of killing cats which are not good pets, the cats are neutered, vaccinated, and given ongoing shelter and food. It is a HUMANE method of allowing "colonies" of unsocialized cats to dwindle and disappear in a natural manner.

Our volunteers first work with neighbors to determine the needs of local, free-roaming, unsocialized cats. The cats are then caught in safe and humane traps. They are brought to vets for checkups, vaccinations, treatment of wounds or parasites, and spay or neuter. Our volunteers help caretakers advertise to find safe, loving homes for any kittens, or tame adult cats which they may find living abandoned with the feral cats.

PawsWatch's philosophy is that this widespread problem can only be solved by widespread participation. We encourage citizens to assist the cats on their own property -- with our help. We are not a shelter and we do not take in owned or stray cats.

We operate a phone "helpline," with volunteers taking turns answering calls for help. We encourage callers in turn, to then assist OTHER people in their neighborhood who need the same assistance.