TNR is the only effective way to control the repopulation of community cats. TNR stands for trap, neuter, and return. A humane live trap is set in an area where there is a colony of cats and baited with canned cat food, tuna (in water), or sardines (in water). Once the cat(s) are caught, a Caring Paws Rescue TNR volunteer will come to take the cat to be either spayed or neutered, ear-notched (this helps community members know if the cat has been fixed), and after the surgery the cat will be released back to where it was caught. With TNR, cats are vaccinated helping to live healthier lives and behaviors such as spraying, yowling, and fighting are significantly reduced.

If the cat is not relocated to where it was caught, other cats will fill in its spot. Also, cats that are relocated often times try to return to their colony. Returning the cat to its original location helps keep new cats from entering the colony and keep the rodent population down!

TNR is the most humane way to control the community cat population. A female cat can become pregnant for the first time at 4 months old and can have anywhere from 3-5 liters a year and those litters are typically 4-6 kittens. This means that just one female can mother 15-30+ kittens a year. Spaying and neutering prevents cats from venturing out to find a mate as well as preventing the colony from multiplying every year. With TNR, a cat simply caught, taken in to be fixed, and returned.

If the cats test positive for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) or FeLV (feline leukemia virus) it will be euthanized. As a part of our TNR process, we SNAP all TNR cats. Euthanizing the sick cats prevents these diseases from infecting the rest of the colony or spreading it beyond there.

Not only is the trap and kill method inhumane, it is also ineffective. If a cat is killed, it opens up a spot for a different cat to fill and they will reproduce. TNR is the only effective way to reduce the repopulation of community cats.

A community cat is any cat that is living outdoors and does not have an owner. Some cat colonies are lucky enough to have a caretaker that provides them with food, water, and outdoor shelter, but the caretaker does not own them. These cats may be semi-friendly, some may be strays, and some may be completely feral (ones that people rarely see). These cats are likely living in neighborhoods, alleys, parks, or even near businesses!

Unfortunately, Caring Paws does not offer TNR for barn or farm cats. Many local veterinarians offer a low-cost spay/neuter program for barn and farm cats. Caring Paws’ TNR is only for cats living in the communities in Buena Vista county.

The cost for one TNR cat is $50. This cost covers the surgery, vaccines, and SNAP test for communicable diseases.