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 and 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.

Before TNR takes place, a trapping plan is devised and a clinic appointment is made. The cat is trapped, held in the trap before the clinic appointment, and then taken to its appointment where it is spayed or neutered, vaccinated for Rabies and FVRCP, ear-tipped (universal symbol that a cat has been TNRd), and microchipped.  Not only does the Rabies vaccination keep the cats healthy but it also reduces the public health risk. Furthermore, ear-tip  is the universal sign that a cat has already been TNRed.

The cat is then held in-trap post-operatively allowing the cat time for full recovery before returning the cat to the area from which it was trapped. The cat lives out its life outdoors happily, no longer reproducing. Any kittens or friendly cats that are trapped are put up for adoption when feasible.