Trap Neuter Return Saves Lives

What is TNR?

Trap neuter return is a non-lethal method to reduce the cat population by trapping, spaying/neutering, and releasing free-roaming cats back to their colony.

Why TNR?

Trap neuter return is more cost effective than euthanizing a cat.

TNR can cost $60 versus $100 to euthanize a cat.

There are TNR programs that will even pay for the cost of TNR.

Why TNR?

Only 3% of free-roaming cats in the U.S. are spayed or neutered.

This means the remaining cats can reproduce.

One female can have 100 kittens in seven years.

Why TNR?

Free-roaming cats makeup 80% of the cats in shelters.

72% of these cats are at risk of being euthanized.

Once a cat has made it into a shelter, it only has three options: be reunited with its owner (if it was lost), be adopted, or be euthanized.

How to TNR

Before trying to TNR, you should educate yourself by attending a workshop or watching a video.

You can also reach out to your local shelters so that they can put you in contact with other rescuers who can show you firsthand how to do it.

How to TNR

Obtain a feral cat trap. These types of traps are designed for trapping cats. Some shelters will rent one out to you for free, or you can purchase your own.

Bait the trap with wet food. If you know when the cat(s) eat, its best to bait it before its next meal so that it is hungry.

How to TNR

Once the cat is trapped, cover the trap with a blanket as this will help calm the cat.

Before doing anything else, look at the cat's left ear to make sure its not tipped. A tipped ear means that the cat has already been neutered/spayed and returned to its colony.

Do not trap a nursing female cat because the kittens could starve and become prey for other predators.