What is TNR?
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the process of
– Trapping outdoor cats,
– Neuter or Spaying them,
– Returning the cats to their home.
TNR is a humane option for controlling the outdoor cat population and allowing them to live a healthier life. It prevents more kittens from being born and suffering (75% of kittens die by 6 months old when born outside).
Why should most TNR cats stay outside?
Many cats call the outdoors their home. They were not socialized with humans as kittens can be fearful of us. They may bond to their care taker but they are not house cats. Additionally, animal shelters are at capacity with pet cats and dogs. Most outdoor cats are not adoptable and the shelter system is not a place for outdoor cats.
Why can’t every cat be removed from the landscape?
Humans brought cats to the United States over 500 years ago on ships to control the rodent population. Wisconsin has about 60,000 active farms and many retired barns where cats are still valued for their effective rodent control.
Cats will continue to be on the landscape so it is critical that we fix these cats to prevent more. TNR is the best way to control the cat population. Cats will always be outside in Wisconsin. It’s now our job to make sure they sure they are fixed.
What is an ear tip and why are TNR’d cats “ear tipped?”
The tip of the ear is removed under anesthetic as an easy way to mark and identify if an outdoor cat has been fixed. This will help you to monitor your cats for any new arrivals that need to be fixed.
How to catch a feisty cat?
Live traps are the safest way to catch a feral or shy cats.
- Acclimate cats to traps by leaving them open with food for 3-7 days.
- Set traps the day before your appointment. Do NOT transfer cats to a different carrier or crate. It is safest for everyone to leave them in the traps.
- Move traps to a safe, warm area. Cover with a sheet.
- Return cats to the area originally caught the day after surgery.
- Never leave a trap open, unattended overnight. Tuna is a great bait to convince cats to go in the trap.
Find out more with these resources:
– Alley Cat Allies
– For All Animals
– Neighborhood Cats