When we looked at the results from our January 2026 Community Cat Colony Sentiment Survey and compared them to last year’s data, something important stood out. The progress is real—and it’s measurable.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is all this TNR effort really making a difference?” this year’s trends might give you the clearest answer yet.
Let’s start with the good news. The number of caretakers reporting growing colonies dropped again—from 33% in January 2025 to 28% in 2026.
Even more encouraging? For the first time in our survey history, more than half of all respondents reported that their colonies are remaining stable. That’s up from 46% last year to 51% this year.
And the percentage of caretakers reporting smaller colonies held steady, moving from 21% in 2025 to 21.3% in 2026. It’s a small change, but one that reinforces a broader pattern: when TNR is done consistently and over time, colonies stabilize—and in many cases, they slowly shrink.
If your colony is still growing, you might feel like you’re falling behind. You’re not. You’re likely just in an earlier phase of the TNR cycle. Many of the caretakers who are now reporting stable colonies were in your shoes just a year or two ago.
This shift toward stability doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of persistence, patience, and a whole lot of vet appointments. The data shows that if you stick with it, things can and do improve.
For organizations running TNR programs, this kind of data can be a powerful tool. It backs up what you already know from experience—that TNR works when given enough time and support. These numbers can support your conversations with funders, animal control, and community leaders.
They also show that the field of community cat management is growing up. We’re seeing a movement away from constant crisis and toward long-term care and community-level planning. That shift is healthier for cats, more manageable for caretakers, and more cost-effective for municipalities.
We also saw a continued broadening of geographic reach in the 2026 responses. While high-response states like New York and California remained strong, there was noticeable growth in participation from the Midwest and Southeast. That tells us that awareness and activity around community cat care is spreading beyond traditional hotspots—and that’s something to celebrate.
Some of the colonies reported as “becoming smaller” might be aging out. Others are closing down after years of active management. And many are seeing fewer new arrivals due to consistent spay/neuter work in the area.
But a smaller colony still needs attention. All it takes is one abandoned cat or one unfixed stray wandering in, and suddenly you’re starting the cycle all over again.
That’s why vigilance matters. Like a garden, colonies need ongoing care. A stable or small colony is something to be proud of—but it still needs your eyes and action.
Let’s not sugarcoat it. Nearly 1 in 3 colonies are still growing. That means many caretakers are still in the thick of it, and the need for support—especially access to affordable spay/neuter services—is as urgent as ever.
But there’s also real momentum. More stable colonies, more regional participation, and more signs that the hard work is paying off.
Wherever you are on the TNR journey, here’s what this year’s data tells us:
We run our Colony Sentiment Survey every January and July, and your voice matters. By participating, you help shape the understanding of what’s working—and where more support is needed.
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