Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR)

TNR is viewed by many as a humane way to help control feral cat populations. Basically it involves humanely trapping the cat(s), taking it to a veterinary clinic to be spayed or neutered and then returning it to the colony from which it came. In many cases, the feline also receives a health check and vaccinations while at the veterinarian's office. After recuperation they are returned to their colony habitat where a caring individual has agreed to provide them with food, water and shelter.

Once all the cats in a feral colony have been spayed and neutered, the colony is known as a "stabilized" colony. A stabilized cat colony is believed to be easier for area residents to co-exist with for several reasons. For instance, the urine odor produced around the home by unneutered males is reduced, the yowling and fighting that occur around mating is eliminated, as is the uncontrolled growth of the population.

Proponents of TNR believe that a "stabilized colony" is a better way to control stray cat populations than simply trapping, killing and removing the colony entirely, not only for humane reasons, but also for reasons of control as well. This is based on the belief that if a feral cat colony is destroyed, another wild cat colony will simply move in and take their place. But if a sterilized colony of cats is allowed to exist, then ideally the stabilized colony will not welcome unsterilized cats to join the fold - and the overpopulation of stray cats will be kept within manageable limits.

TNB is similar to TNR in procedure, however, the cats are returned or relocated to a location where they will reside within a barn environment.

TNB projects can be very beneficial to rural property owners looking for a way to control their rodent and snake populations. And the cats in turn are fed and watered, and have the barn for shelter as needed.

If you need barn cats, call your local animal welfare office or contact us.

Please note that you will need to follow the below relocation guidelines when establishing a cat colony via Trap, Neuter, And Barn, or your new barn cats will likely wander off never to be seen again.

If a TNR situation involves relocating the cat to a new environment it is important to note that some or most will be wild enough that they will leave if simply relocated and released at your property. Thereby taking away their chance to be properly cared for, as well as leaving your property vacant for an unsterilized cat to seize. But there are some steps you can take to help avoid losing a relocated TNR cat.

They must be caged for at least 4-6 weeks to get them used to your property smells, surroundings, sounds, your animals and to trust you enough to know that you will give them food and water.

If they are not kept in an enclosure for that amount of time or if they are treated poorly, they will not stick around your property, they will just leave. You and everybody else involved will lose all time and money invested in trying to assist you. Nobody likes to keep an animal caged up, but, if you do not keep feral cats caged for one month minimum, typically they will not stay, therefore defeating the purpose.

Consequently there are some things you will want to consider before participating in a TNR program that involves bringing in a new cat colony ... do you have an enclosure or outdoor enclosed area large enough to keep the cat(s) in along with food, water, shelter and a litter box? Can they jump, dig or climb to escape?

If you have a feral cat colony or need TNR assistance, please contact us for more details on how we can help one another help these animals

To answer some frequently asked questions about TNR feral cat colonies, please read "Frequently Asked Questions About TNR," by Best Friends Animal Society's. TNR is indeed controversial. To read more on this controversial subject, please read Best Friends Animal Society's "Feral Cat Facts vs. Fiction" as well as "The Vacuum Effect" by Alley Cat Allies.

All sterilized cats have tipped ears. This makes it possible for caretakers to differentiate between cats that have already been sterilized vs. the ones that have not been sterilized yet.

Cats with tipped ears save time, money, frustration... and lives! Several years ago Bruha wanted to better understand TNR and barn cats, so he took in 6 black, rescued feral cats that would have been euthanized if a home had not been found for them. Bruha purposely sought out black cats because at a glance he could tell if there were strange cats on the property and because darker colored animals are less likely to be taken by hawks, owls, coyotes and foxes.

Bruha likes to prove things via his own experiences, so when he is told that wild and feral stray cats kill a lot of wildlife, he decided to find out for himself. Over the years, Bruha has seen his cats kill one baby bird and consume countless mice.