Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
Humane & Effective
TNR is considered a humane and effective approach to managing community cat populations, as it addresses the breeding cycle, leading to a reduction in the number of cats and kittens born into the environment.
Reduces Nuisance Behaviors
Spaying or neutering cats significantly reduces behaviors such as yowling, fighting, and spraying, improving the relationship between community cats and residents, and leading to quieter colonies.
Stabilizes Population
By preventing reproduction, TNR programs help stabilize and eventually reduce the number of cats in a given area, leading to a more manageable population.
TNR is a management technique in which homeless, free-roaming (community) cats are humanely trapped, evaluated and sterilized by a licensed veterinarian, vaccinated (vaccines vary according to your local program protocol), eartipped and then returned to their original habitat. There are times when trapped cats show signs of domestication and may be evaluated for adoption. What is the primary benefit of TNR?
With 1.4 million cats euthanized annually, for lack of homes, shelter space, etc., we need to help control the cat overpopulation. This includes stray/feral cats in our communities that are outside breeding recklessly. Their offspring, more often than not, suffering from feline diseases and Mother Natures harsh elements, have a hard life just to survive. They are at times cared for by humans, but mostly on their own constantly seeking food, water, shelter, and on guard from predators.
Many kittens are saved through TNR programs and are placed in foster care during necessary nutritional stages of their life and to evaluate for possible adoption.
It costs us on average $40 per cat for TNR, this covers only the cat’s clinic visit. Please consider a donation to support our TNR efforts in the community and contact us or other local programs to see how you can help by either trapping, transporting, educating or even making trap covers.
take the initiative & Learn to DIY
Grounded in science, TNR stops the breeding cycle of cats and therefore improves their lives while preventing reproduction.
ALLEY CAT ALLIES
- Addresses the Root Cause:TNR directly tackles the issue of feral cat overpopulation by preventing reproduction through sterilization (spaying or neutering).
- Humane:TNR is considered a humane approach because it avoids the killing of cats and allows them to live out their lives in their established territories with the support of caretakers.
- Stabilizes Populations:By sterilizing cats, TNR prevents the birth of new kittens, which leads to a natural decline in the feral cat population over time.
- Reduces Stress on Cats:TNR improves the lives of feral cats by relieving them of the stresses associated with mating and pregnancy.
- Empowers Caretakers:TNR programs often involve local caretakers who monitor and support the feral cat colonies, fostering a sense of community responsibility for the cats’ well-being.
- Reduces Calls to Animal Control:By addressing the root cause of overpopulation, TNR can reduce the number of calls to animal control agencies and the number of cats entering shelters.
