Trap-Neuter-Return

Trap-Neuter-Return, also known as TNR is a program instituted to try and control feral cat populations. TNR is humanely live trapping cats, taking them to a vet to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated and then returning them to their homes, the colonies they were trapped from. Cats that have undergone TNR posses an ear tip. An ear tip is the removal of the top quarter in of the left ear in a straight line.

The Process

The steps to TNR are:

1. Get training
2. Work with the neighborhood
3. Establish a feeding pattern, count the cats and set out shelters and feeding stations.
4. Find a holding space
5. Arrange for spay and/or neuter, traps and transportation
6. Actual Trapping
7. Care taking

Many people ask why you should put feral cats back into the outdoors when they could be adopted. The answer is that they can’t. While most kittens and some cats are social enough to live with humans. In the past other less humane methods have been used to try and control feral cat populations. Some include trap and euthanize, adoption, relocation and cat sanctuaries These just do not work. Almost all, if not all lead to the vacuum effect. The vacuum effect is when cats that are removed from colonies are simply replaced by other cats. This means that any efforts made were in vain because while you have removed some cats they are just being replaced by other cats, which are most likely not spayed or neutered. With TNR you know cats are spayed or neutered and there will be less or no new cats in the area because the current cats will defend their territory. TNR also significantly reduces or eliminates unwanted behavior such as yowling, spraying, loud mating, and wandering. All in all TNR is a better and more humane way to eventually eliminate feral colonies