TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release)

Posted on June 4, 2024

What is TNR? 

No, it is not the old 70’s song by AC/DC! TNR stands for Trap, Neuter and Release (or Return). TNR involves humanely trapping feral cats, having them spayed or neutered, getting them vaccinations and releasing them back into the area or colony where they were trapped. 

Ideally a caretaker will provide food, water, and shelter. During the spay/neuter process each cat is given what is called an “ear tip.” A portion of the left ear is removed under anesthesia. This signifies to other people in your community that the cat has been spayed or neutered and is vaccinated. 

The purpose of TNR is to prevent unwanted kittens to maintain a balance within the feral cat population. Studies show that mating behaviors like yowling and fighting stop. It also gives cats in the area more access to food and shelter as well as a better life. The key is to plan accordingly and do your homework. Read everything you can before you trap your first cat. Alleycat.org is a resource I have found to be valuable when learning how to trap your first cat. Reach out to local shelters and rescues for advice. 

The below are quick guidelines for the basics of trapping. Again, I recommend that you learn as much as you can prior to trapping as it makes the process go easier and you will be more confident about trapping cats.

· Before you trap you need to have a trap. You can buy a trap in a hardware store or online. You can also check with a local shelter and see if they will rent you a trap.

· Traps comes in many sizes. A box trap or live animal trap is the most common and it comes in different sizes.

· You can also use a drop trap for the trap savvy cat. This involves a bit more skill since you must watch for the cat to enter under the drop trap and then time it exactly right, pull a string and voila, you have your cat. You also need to be careful when using this, so you do not hurt the cat.

· You also need to have a plan as to where you are going to take the cat to get spayed or neutered. Some places that spay/neuter feral cats have certain drop off days and times, so you need to figure out if you can trap the cat the night before or the morning of the appointment.

· You will then need to have a place (like a bathroom or basement) where the cat can stay once the surgery has been completed. Male cats need 24 hours to recover while females need 48 – 72 hours to recover.

· Establish a feeding pattern to make the process easier. Put food in the back of the unset traps for one to two weeks prior to when you plan on trapping. Make sure the back door to the trap is open. On trapping day, you may want to put something fishy and smelly like sardines in the trap to entice them to enter.

· Be sure to test your box traps before using them the day you plan to trap. You will also want to line the trap with newspaper.

· Once you trap your cat, he/she might thrash around so you might want to cover the trap to calm them down.

There are many variables to consider when trapping and this post would go on and on if I continued so, please do your research. Believe me if I can do it, so can you!