What is TNR?

---

 Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a program in which outdoor cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, ear-tipped and returned to the location where they were found. TNR is the most humane and effective method for stabilizing and eventually reducing outdoor cat populations.


Trap
Outdoor cats are humanely trapped by those participating in the TNR Program or volunteers assisting those who qualify for “trapping assistance”. The traps used are humane, "TruCatch box traps."

Neuter
The cats are spayed or neutered by a veterinarian. These surgeries are sometimes called “fixing” or “altering” a cat.  The cats are vaccinated against rabies. The left ear is “tipped” to identify the cat as fixed. “Tipped” means that a tiny part of the ear is snipped to indicate that the cat has been altered. This procedure is performed while the cat is under anesthesia. Ear-tipping is a universal identifier of a sterilized homeless outdoor cat and helps those who are trapping cats to know that the spay/neuter has already been completed, thus avoiding subjecting the cat to a needless trapping and a second unnecessary surgical experience. 

 Return
The cats are returned to their original location where caregivers may continue to provide food and water.


Maintain
You may see the acronym TNRM, where the "M" stands for "maintain".   An important part of any successful TNR program is maintaining the cats health to the extent it is possible. We don't simply dump the cats back  and leave them to die horrible deaths in the wild. As much as possible we monitor them and take care of them and give them medical care when they need it.