What is TNR?

Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) programs work just as the name implies. Feral cats are Trapped, taken to a veterinarian to be Neutered, and then Returned to their home territory where a human caretaker provides food and water and monitors the health of the cats. Trapping is done in humane live traps which do not harm the cats. Food is used to lure the cats into the traps and traps are monitored continuously while set.

Once trapped, the cats are assessed to determine if they are feral or friendly strays. Any friendly strays are put up for adoption for placement into a home environment. All ferals are taken to a veterinarian for spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations. The cats are given anesthesia while in the trap by skilled vet staff using special equipment and the cats are placed back into the trap at the conclusion of the surgery while still under anesthetic.

During the surgery, cats are vaccinated for rabies and distemper. They are also “ear-tipped” which involves removing the tip of the left ear as a universal symbol that the cat has been spayed/neutered. At least a 48 hour recovery time is recommended during which the cats remain in a secure crate someplace safe and warm such as a garage or basement. Females require a longer recovery period than males, preferably 7-10 days.

Cats are provided with food, water, and a litter box in the crate during this recovery period. At the conclusion of the recovery time, the cats are returned to their home territory. A caretaker visits the colony daily, providing food and water and keeping an eye on the cats. Any cats which appear sick are re-trapped and taken to a veterinarian for treatment. Any kittens in a colony that are younger than 6-8 weeks are pulled, socialized, and placed up for adoption.

With all the cats in the colony spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and cared for by a caretaker, the result is a stabilized colony population of healthy cats which will decline over time as the cats die. The existing cats tend to be territorial and will usually keep intruding cats from entering the colony. Any new cats that do join the colony are TNR’d by the caretaker.