What is Trap-Neuter-Return?
TNR is the humane, effective way to stabilize a community cat colony. Here is exactly what happens, why the ear tip matters, and how it helps cats and neighbors in East Brunswick.
The Basics
Trap. Neuter. Return.
TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Return. It can also be known as Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return and a host of other names. It is the process of identifying and trapping community cats, getting them to an appointment for spay/neuter surgery, and then releasing them back to their outdoor homes where they were trapped.
If left alone, these cats will continue to reproduce.
These cats have community caregivers who feed them regularly, help with trapping, and also maintain the well-being of the colony after the surgeries are completed. The entire goal is to reduce the population of community cats in town in a safe and humane way.
Step By Step
What actually happens during a TNR
Every TNR follows the same careful sequence, from the first trapping plan to the moment the cat goes home.
- 1
A plan is made
Before TNR takes place, a trapping plan is devised for the colony and a clinic appointment is made.
- 2
The cat is trapped
The cat is humanely trapped and held in the trap before the clinic appointment.
- 3
Surgery, vaccines, ear tip and microchip
At the appointment the cat is spayed or neutered, vaccinated for Rabies and FVRCP, ear-tipped, and microchipped.
- 4
Recovery
The cat is held in-trap post-operatively, allowing time for a full recovery before going home.
- 5
Return home
The cat is returned to the area from which it was trapped, and lives out its life outdoors happily, no longer reproducing.
The Universal Sign
Why the tipped ear matters
During surgery the tip of one ear is removed while the cat is under anesthesia. The ear tip is the universal symbol that a cat has already been TNR'd.
If you see a cat in East Brunswick with a straight-edged ear, it has already been sterilized and vaccinated, and does not need to be trapped again.
Every cat we TNR receives
- Spay or neuter surgery
- A Rabies vaccination
- An FVRCP vaccination
- An ear tip for identification
- A microchip
Know The Difference
Ferals, strays and community cats
Community cats are unowned, free-roaming cats that live outdoors. They can be known as strays or ferals.
Strays
Strays typically are used to being around humans. Friendly cats found outdoors may be candidates for rescue and adoption.
Ferals
Feral cats are not used to human touch and will avoid contact at all costs. They can be born outside, or can be pets that reverted to a feral state after being lost or abandoned.
Learn More
Further reading
Trusted national resources on TNR and ear-tipping.
Have you seen a community cat in East Brunswick?
Tell us what you are seeing and where. Our team can talk through the situation with you and help plan a TNR.