What is TNR?
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TNR is what we call the process of trapping, neutering/spaying feral or community cats and returning them to the area they were trapped in an effort to stop the overpopulation of free roaming cats. TNR is the humane way to manage feral and free roaming cats, preventing the breeding that leads to even more feral cats.  With TNR, cats are caught with humane traps, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for fleas and ticks and then returned where they were found to live out their lives, generally under the eye of a watchful human caretaker who provides food, water and shelter as necessary.  Cats that have been “TNR’ed” have an ear tip on one ear, meaning that the tip of one ear is clipped while the cat is under anesthesia. A tipped ear identifies a cat as altered and likely part of a managed TNR colony and/or tnrprogram, and will safeguard them if ever re-trapped.  Spaying and neutering colonies not only prevents more kittens from being born, but also aids in the overall health of the cats, reducing disease, flea infestations, and reduces the nuisance behaviors often associated with feral colonies, such as spraying/marking territories by males, fighting, noisy mating encounters, etc. So both cats and humans benefit from TNR.

What happens after TNR?
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TNR does not stop at the return after spay and neuter. Management of the colonies is key to the cat’s well being.  Throughout the San Joaquin area, many concerned community members care for these cats by trapping newcomers for surgery, and keeping a careful eye on the population.  You can be a part of this life-saving mission as well.  Volunteers are needed to assist with trapping projects, helping in regular feedings of colonies, fostering domesticated cats and kittens left to fend for themselves,  donations of food, canned/dry, cat litter or simply financial support.  For more information on volunteering or donations, please send us an email.