How to Trap-Neuter-Return

You’ve decided to tackle the challenge of fixing the feral cats in your area—great! But jumping in without a plan can lead to complications. A well-organized TNR project ensures a smoother experience for both you and the cats. Following these steps will help you avoid common pitfalls and set you up for success.

Before handling feral cats, take time to learn the best practices for TNR. Many resources are available, including guides, handbooks, and instructional videos. Familiarizing yourself with the process will help you manage the cats safely and effectively.

Feral cats, often referred to as “community cats,” typically live near people—in backyards, parking lots, or behind stores. Understanding their environment and the attitudes of nearby residents can make the process smoother.

• Talk to neighbors to gather information about the cats and gauge their feelings toward them.
• Address concerns and explain how TNR benefits everyone.
• Enlist the help of local feeders or volunteers and secure access to private properties as needed.

A cooperative community will make TNR efforts more successful both during and after the project.

Establish a regular feeding schedule to train the cats to gather at a specific time and place each day. This consistency will make trapping more predictable.

• Count the cats in the colony and note if any need extra attention, such as kittens.
• Set up shelters and feeding stations, particularly if you’re trapping in colder weather, to provide warmth and safety during recovery.

During the trapping and recovery process (typically 4–7 days), you’ll need a safe space to keep the cats confined.

• The area should be warm, dry, and secure, such as a garage, basement, or spare room.
• Use tarps or cardboard under traps to protect surfaces from messes.

This step ensures the cats have a comfortable environment to recover post-surgery.

Determine how many cats you’ll trap and schedule spay/neuter appointments with a low-cost provider.

• Borrow or buy traps and equipment like dividers.
• Plan transportation between the colony, holding space, and clinic.
• If trapping a large number of cats, recruit volunteers to assist.

Collaborating with local rescue groups can make the process more efficient and reduce the time it takes to fix the entire colony.

• Prepare for trapping: Withhold food 24 hours before trapping to ensure the cats are hungry and willing to enter traps. Allow 2–3 days for trapping, especially if weather or other unexpected factors arise.
• Transport and recover: Take the cats to their spay/neuter appointments, then bring them back to the holding space for 1–3 days of recovery.
• Release: Once they’ve recovered, return the cats to their home territory.

For any cats not caught during the initial effort, continue trapping until the entire colony is fixed. Acting quickly prevents new litters from being born.

Once the cats are returned, they will resume their usual habits, now free from the stress of breeding. Your role becomes one of monitoring and support.

• Provide consistent food, water, and shelter.
• Watch for any new cats joining the colony and include them in your TNR efforts.
• Work with neighbors to address any concerns that may arise.

By completing a TNR project, you’ll have improved the lives of the cats and reduced the challenges they pose in the community.

For more information:

https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/how-to-tnr/trapping/trapping-the-basics