Summit Tackles Stray Cat Problem with TNR Initiative

Community-driven program aims to curb feral populations, protect wildlife and public health

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Summit, New Jersey is grappling with a growing stray cat problem, with residents reporting sightings of a familiar tuxedo cat and other feral felines roaming the neighborhoods. In response, the local health department and animal control have been working to find homes for captured stray cats, though rehoming feral cats can be challenging. Some residents want to feed and care for the strays, while others worry about the impact on their yards and local wildlife. To address the issue, the community is exploring a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program, which has seen success in reducing feral cat populations in other parts of New Jersey.

Why it matters

Stray and feral cat populations can pose risks to public health, wildlife, and property, but traditional approaches like euthanasia are controversial. A TNR program offers a more humane solution that has proven effective in managing feral cat colonies in other communities, though it requires coordination, funding, and community buy-in to implement successfully.

The details

Summit's stray cat problem has drawn attention from local residents, with some posting photos and accounts of the tuxedo cat and other felines roaming the neighborhoods, even in cold weather. The Westfield Regional Health Department recently reported finding homes for several feral cats captured in the area, placing them on a large farm in Pennsylvania. However, rehoming feral cats is often difficult, as they do not adapt well to shelter environments. In response, some communities in New Jersey have turned to trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs, which involve capturing, sterilizing, and then releasing feral cats back into their colonies. Monmouth County has one of the largest TNR programs in the state, having neutered and vaccinated around 6,400 cats in the past three years. While TNR can be an effective way to manage feral cat populations, it also has drawbacks, including the potential for disease transmission and the impact on local wildlife.

  • In January, the Westfield Regional Health Department reported finding homes for several local feral cats captured in the preceding months.
  • In the past three years, the Monmouth County SPCA estimates it has captured and neutered roughly 6,400 cats through its TNR program.

The players

Iva Nova

A local resident who posted a photo of the tuxedo cat on social media, noting that it is a familiar presence in the neighborhood and appears to be looking for food and shelter.

Carlee Carbone

A Summit resident who expressed concern about the number of stray cats in the area and the risks they pose, particularly to cats hit by cars on the road.

Megan Avallone

The Department of Health Director for the Westfield Regional Health Department, who reported on the department's efforts to find homes for captured feral cats.

Ross Licitra

The executive director of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, who discussed the county's successful TNR program and the challenges of managing feral cat colonies.

Sandra Obi

The TNR program director of the Animal Protection League of New Jersey, who noted the growing interest in TNR programs among New Jersey communities.

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What they’re saying

“This tuxedo cat is always around on Irving Pl. Is this someone's cat? This cat has been around even in the coldest nights. It wants to come inside my home. It's always looking for food. I already have a cat.”

— Iva Nova, Resident (Social media)

“I wish it was a law not to let your cats go outside. I've seen too many deceased ones on the road. Anyway, I hope he is still able to live a healthy long life.”

— Carlee Carbone, Resident (Social media)

“Even though it's warm and safe in here, they don't understand that. They'd rather be outside, hiding behind a shed, being free … a shelter for a feral animal is very, very frightening.”

— Ross Licitra, Executive Director, Monmouth County SPCA (tapinto.net)

“We actually had one cat in one of the towns that was rabid. It attacked five people over a 48-hour period.”

— Megan Avallone, Department of Health Director, Westfield Regional Health Department (tapinto.net)

“It's really amazing to see how you have these big, brawly working guys over at the landfill, and they're so tender when it comes to the cats.”

— Ross Licitra, Executive Director, Monmouth County SPCA (tapinto.net)

What’s next

The Westfield Regional Health Department will continue to monitor the stray cat population in Summit and work with local animal welfare organizations to explore the feasibility of implementing a TNR program in the community.

The takeaway

Addressing the stray cat problem in Summit will require a multi-faceted approach that balances the needs of the animals, the concerns of residents, and the impact on public health and the environment. A successful TNR program could help reduce the feral cat population, but it will require sustained funding, community engagement, and collaboration between local authorities and animal welfare groups.