Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR)

With TNR, a feral cat is humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, then returned to the location where they were trapped.

Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) is a humane and effective approach for addressing community cat overpopulation. Cats are trapped and then brought to a clinic to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and ear tipped. The cats are monitored post-op and returned back to their colonies once they have recovered from the procedure. If possible, the orphaned kittens and friendly cats are placed under a foster's care where they will eventually be adopted out to their forever homes.

Altered cats are no longer able to reproduce which leads to a decrease in the community cat population over time. Cats who do not mate are less threatened by one another; meaning less fighting, yowling and marking territory with their foul smelling urine. Additionally, altered cats do not spread sexually transmitted diseases and those who were vaccinated are less likely to catch and spread the several types of diseases that plague the cat community.

Not only does TNR improve the health and well-being of feral and stray cats but it improves the relationship between human and community cats. Residents are much more likely to co-exist with cats when they aren't releasing foul odors and causing a nuisance in their neighborhood. Some may even start to appreciate the cats presence as they are great at rodent control!

For decades the normal practice for reducing community cat overpopulation was trap and kill. This practice must end and it starts with TNR. This practice has shown incredible success in thousands of communities across the globe. Purr Diem provides free traps and free spay and neuter vouchers for all TNR volunteers. If you are unable to volunteer but still want to help in our TNR effort please let us know when you spot a feral or stray cat(s) who has no been ear-tipped by filling out this form. We will add the cat(s) to our interactive cat colony map.