Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a method used to manage populations of feral cats. The process involves live-trapping the cats, having them neutered, ear-tipped for identification, and, if possible, vaccinated against diseases. The cats are then returned to their original locations under such a program. TNR is considered the most humane and effective method for managing feral and stray cats and reducing their numbers. The benefits of TNR include:
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Stabilizing cat populations: TNR stops the breeding cycle of cats and therefore improves their lives while preventing reproduction. Colonies that are involved in TNR diminish in size over time.
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Improving cat welfare: Feral cats do not tolerate being caged or handled, and many shelters are unable to manage them without putting the animal or the staff at risk. TNR could alleviate this.
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Reducing shelter intake and killing: TNR addresses community concerns, reduces shelter intake and killing, and reduces calls to animal services, all of which save cats’ lives and taxpayer dollars.
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Balancing the needs and concerns of community cats and people: TNR balances the needs and concerns of community cats and the people among whom they live. People don’t want cats rounded up and killed. What the people want are cat populations stabilized through humane methods that bring cat mating behaviors in check so all can live in harmony.
TNR is a controversial method, and global attitudes towards feral cats vary from those who see them as pets to those who target them as invasive species that need to be eliminated. However, many international, national, and regional organizations and associations, both professional and advocacy-based, have publicly aligned themselves into three basic groups: those that stridently oppose managing, maintaining, or tolerating free-roaming cats and hence TNR; those that supp...
