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Trap-Neuter-Return or TNR is the humane and effective approach for stray, or community cats. Now in practice for decades in the US after being proven in Europe, scientific studies show that Trap-Neuter-Return improves the lives of cats, improves their relationships with the people who live near them, and decreases the size of colonies over time.
Trap-Neuter-Return is successfully practiced in hundreds of communities and in every landscape and setting. It is exactly what it sounds like: Cats are humanely trapped and taken to a veterinarian to be neutered and vaccinated. After recovery, the cats are returned to their home — their colony — outdoors. Kittens and cats who are friendly and socialized to people may be adopted into homes.
Grounded in science, TNR stops the breeding cycle of cats and therefore improves their lives while preventing reproduction. It is a fact that the removal and killing of outdoor cats that animal control has been pursuing for decades is never ending and futile. Since many community cats are not adoptable, they are killed in pounds and shelters. With a successful program like Trap-Neuter-Return to turn to, it is hard to believe that animal control agencies continue to kill cats, even though that approach has shown zero results.
It is time to put an end to catch and kill! Trap-Neuter-Return provides a life-saving, effective solution for these beautiful, independent cats.
Trap Rental
There is a $35 deposit that is refundable upon the return of the trap in good, working condition, along with an additional nonrefundable $10/week rental fee.
C.A.M.P. Each Month
Every month Caring Hands Humane Society trains you to care for Community Cats with our program titled C.A.M.P. (Community Cat Alteration & Management Program.) This program offers training to learn how to Trap, Neuter and Return Community Cats. Come join us to learn about this important work!
TNR Answers The Needs Of The Community
TNR relieves cats of the constant stresses of mating and pregnancy.
The obvious benefit of TNR to the cats is that the females don’t go through cycles of producing more and more kittens. Their health is actually improved. Spaying and neutering also virtually eliminates the chance of cats developing mammary or testicular tumors.
Mating behaviors cease, like roaming, yowling, spraying, and fighting.
Cats tend to roam less after neutering, which is beneficial for their safety and reduces conflict with neighbors. With decreased competition for mating, the cats are also less likely to suffer injuries. Cats may become more affectionate towards each other after neutering, spending more time in groups and fighting less.
Cats’ physical health improves.
Studies have found that neutering improves cats’ coat condition and helps them gain weight.
Cats are vaccinated against rabies.
The process of Trap-Neuter-Return has an immense benefit for the cats that are involved in these programs. They’re vaccinated, so they’re less susceptible to infectious diseases.
Cats live long, healthy lives.
At the conclusion of the 11-year study of the impact of TNR on cat colonies at the University of Florida, 83% of the cats in managed TNR colonies had been residing in those colonies for more than six years — indicating a lifespan comparable to the 7.1-year lifespan of pet cats.