Trap, Neuter & Return
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 program, 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.
FAQs
What happens to the cats during the TNR process?
Cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, treated for fleas and ticks, and then returned to the location where they were found.
What does a tipped ear mean?
A cat with a clipped or “tipped” ear has already been spayed or neutered. This is done while the cat is under anesthesia and helps identify them as part of a managed TNR program.
Who cares for the cats after they are returned?
Most TNR colonies are monitored by a community caregiver who provides food, water, and shelter as needed.
How does TNR affect cat behavior and health?
TNR improves the overall health of the cats and reduces nuisance behaviors such as spraying, fighting, and loud mating sounds.
The Impact of Our TNR Work
Each year, we trap, neuter, and return community cats to improve their health and reduce overpopulation. This chart highlights both our yearly efforts and the growing total number of cats we’ve helped.
