Trap-Neuter-Return
What is a feral cat?
A feral cat is a domestic cat that isn't socialized to people. Feral cats are most content living outside.
What is a cat colony?
A colony is a group of cats living in an area with a food source.
What is Trap-Neuter-Return?
Trap-Neuter-Return ( TNR ) is a process in which feral cats are:
- Humanely trapped.
- Spayed or neutered.
- Vaccinated for rabies.
- Eartipped for identification.
- Returned to the colony.
What are the benefits of TNR?
TNR is nationally recognized as an effective method to control the feral cat overpopulation problem. Benefits include:
- A colony population is immediately stabilized because the breeding cycle stops.
- The number of feral cats and kittens brought into local shelters is reduced. This results in lower euthanasia rates and lessens the strain on animal shelter resources.
- Annoying behaviors associated with mating such as: spraying, fighting, & caterwauling diminish.
- Sterilized cats roam less and are less likely to contract diseases spread through bite wounds.
Can Feline Friends adopt feral cats into homes?
No. Feral cats are afraid of humans and socializing them is nearly impossible. Feral cats do best in their natural outdoor environment making TNR the best way to help them.
How can Feline Friends help with TNR?
If the colony is located in the Olympia (Washington) area, Feline Friends can
help you with the following:
- Loan you a humane trap.
- Provide you with instructions and support while you trap and recover feral cats.
- Make arrangements with the vets that will spay/neuter, eartip, and vaccinate feral cats for rabies.
Will Feline Friends relocate feral cats?
Relocating feral cats shouldn't be attempted unless the lives of the
cats are in danger. Relocating is a delicate process involving:
If you find a suitable new home and caretaker committed to providing for the lifelong care of a feral colony, Feline Friends may assist you with the process. We'll conduct an assessment of the new location to ensure the cats can be safely relocated before committing resources to the project.
- Finding a suitable new location and caretaker for the cats.
- Trapping the cats and providing them with the necessary veterinary care.
- Transporting the cats to the new colony location.
- Confining the cats for a minimum of two weeks and orienting them to their new environment before releasing.
Where can I find more information about feral cats and TNR?
A couple of our favorite resources are Alley Cat Allies and The Humane Society of the United States.
How do I get started?
September 2009 - Our TNR program is temporarily suspended.