What is TNR?

"TNR" or Trap-Neuter-Return, is the only method proven to be humane and effective at controlling feral cat population growth. Feral cats in a colony are trapped, neutered and then returned to their territory where caretakers provide them with regular food and shelter. Young kittens, which can be socialized, as well as friendly adults, are often placed in adoptive homes after a brief stay in foster homes for socialization purposes.

There are many benefits to TNR including:

• Stabilizes the size of the colony by eliminating new litters 
  
• Nuisance behavior such as yowling & fighting is reduced 
  
• Odor of unneutered males spraying to mark their territory is eliminated 
  
• Particularly in urban areas, the cats continue to provide natural rodent control
  
• The colony guards its territory, preventing unneutered cats from moving in
  
• Lessens the number of kittens and cats flowing into local shelters

Eartipping is a universal sign of a neutered feral cat. The procedure involves removing a small piece off the tip of the cat's left ear in a straight line cut. This is done while the cat is anesthetized for spay or neuter, and healing is rapid. It is a visual sign to caretakers, animal control, veterinarians, and shelter workers, that this is a cat from a managed colony and is already altered.

 Click HERE for links to key scientific studies on TNR