What is TNR?

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a non-lethal, 3-step humane method to reduce and manage the number of feral and stray cat population both immediately and in the long term. The practice of TNR enables feral cats to live their lives without adding to the overpopulation of homeless cats.

Animal lovers in neighborhoods all across the world provide food, water and shelter for community cats, and TNR provides a non-lethal, humane way to effectively manage these community cat populations. In some programs, friendly cats or young kittens are pulled from the colonies and sent to foster facilities like ours for socialization and, eventually, placement into forever homes.

Controlling the breeding and removing some cats for adoption is more effective than the traditional trap-and-kill method in lowering the numbers of cats in a community long-term.

If you’ve noticed an outdoor cat with a part of his ear missing – just the top of the left ear—that’s the sign of a cat who is healthy and cared for! An eartip is the universally recognized symbol of a cat who has been spayed or neutered and vaccinated. Eartipping is a standard part of most Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, because it’s simply the best method to let everyone know at a glance that a cat has gone through a TNR program.

Step 1 – Trap: Feral or stray cats are trapped using a safe, humane, live trap.

Step 2 – Neuter: Trapped cats are spayed or neutered by a veterinarian.

Step 3 – Return: Fixed cats are returned to their home.

All about Spay/Neuter

Why Trap Neuter Return - The Case for TNR | Alley Cat Allies

TNR in NYC Workshops | Neighborhood Cats

About TNR & Community Cats | Bideawee Feral Cat Initiative

Colony Care | Feral Cat Initiative

Fact Sheet: Feral Cats & the Law | Bidawee

TNR at ASPCA