When you see a cat roaming the streets, it’s easy to assume it’s a stray - a cat that lost its way. But the reality is in many communities, hundreds, if not thousands of cats live outdoors. Often referred to as community cats, these animals face a life full of hardship and over-population. At Metro East Humane Society (MEHS), our mission is to promote the humane and respectful treatment of all animals, including community and feral cats. We are proud to offer a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program that helps control the population and improve the lives of these often overlooked cats.
What is TNR?
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is an effective and humane way to help control outdoor cat populations. This community-driven approach involves humanely trapping cats; taking them to a clinic to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped; and then returning them to their outdoor home. Not only does TNR help ease the burden on shelters by allowing these cats to thrive in a familiar environment, it is a cornerstone to help support our no-kill philosophy.
What Are the Benefits of TNR?
Trap-Neuter-Return helps to create a compassionate and sustainable approach to managing the overpopulation of community cats. MEHS supports this cost-effective and humane approach that offers a variety of benefits to communities:
Population Control
Outdoor cats reproduce at an alarming rate. The average intact female cat can have two to three litters of kittens each year, with each litter averaging 4 to 6 kittens. Through TNR, cats are spayed and neutered to stop the cycle of reproducing. Studies show that TNR programs can reduce outdoor cat populations by up to 50% in just one to two years.
Improved Health and Wellness
Spayed and neutered cats live longer, healthier lives - even in outdoor environments. TNR reduces the risks of diseases and injuries that are associated with mating behaviors and territorial fights. Through TNR, cats can be vaccinated to help prevent diseases such as rabies and feline distemper.
Reducing Nuisance Behavior
TNR can help control several undesirable behaviors in outdoor cats such as roaming, yowling, spraying, and fighting. Neutered cats tend to be less territorial. Without the desire to mate, cats tend to roam less and other territorial type behaviors such as yowling and spraying decrease.
Ease the Strain on Shelters
Animal shelters are overcrowded and resources are stretched thin. TNR programs allow these cats to continue living outdoors without the risk of continuing to breed. .
How Does TNR Work?
TNR is a safe, humane way that anyone can help to control the outdoor cat population in their area. It is a simple process. When planning TNR efforts for a cat or cats in your area, start by scheduling a surgery appointment. You can request an appointment online through MEHS, or contact the shelter directly.
Trap The first step in the process is to capture the cat with a humane trap. These traps will safely contain the cat without causing any harm to them. If you have a scheduled appointment, you can rent a trap through MEHS for a small fee.
Neuter & Vaccinate Cats are trapped the night before their surgery appointment and held overnight in a safe area, such as a garage. On the day of surgery, the cat is transported to the clinic for surgery. When you arrive, the cat will be evaluated prior to surgery and vaccines. All TNR cats receive an ear-tip after surgery where a small portion of their ear is removed to indicate sterilization.
Return Cats need to be kept in traps for 24 hours after surgery in a climate-controlled area. After recovery, the cat should be returned to the same location where it was trapped. The cat can now return to a familiar environment to continue living life with less stress and fewer health risks.
Monitor and Ongoing Care Community cat colonies are often monitored by caretakers who ensure that the cats have adequate food and shelter. Over time, the size of the colony will begin to decrease as cats age without continuing to reproduce.
TNR requires a bit of patience and persistence, but there are plenty of resources to help along the way. MEHS offers surgery appointments for feral, outdoor cats at a low-cost as a service to the community. We at MEHS are happy to offer recommendations, tips, and tricks, but we do not trap cats for you. There are community groups in our area that would be happy to lend support and show you the ropes.
How You Can Get Involved
The overpopulation of outdoor cats is a problem affecting communities across the country. Controlling this issue relies on the support of people like you. Here’s how you can help:
Volunteer with a Local TNR Organization: Many communities have dedicated groups that focus on Trap-Neuter-Return. These organizations are run by volunteers who often use their own money to help control the population of cats in areas that are problematic. You can volunteer your time to help with trapping, transporting, or assisting with feeding and managing colonies.
Support TNR Programs: TNR Programs, like the program at MEHS, are vital to helping improve the lives of outdoor cats. You can donate money or supplies to help support these efforts. You can also help raise awareness about the importance of TNR and caring for outdoor cats in your community.
Advocate for TNR: Help spread the word about the benefits of TNR in your community. In Madison County, we are incredibly fortunate to have a county that supports TNR efforts. You can help advocate for similar support in your community by contacting local government officials.
Participate in TNR: If you are currently feeding or caring for an outdoor cat, you can help by making a TNR appointment to give them the best possible life. Make a plan to trap the cat yourself, or contact a local TNR group to help.
Did you know we rent out raccoon-sized live traps for TNR efforts? There is a $25 non-refundable rental fee, and you must return the trap within 48-72 hours. Email info@mehs.org to reserve a trap.
Make a Life-Changing Impact
At MEHS, we are committed to making a positive impact on the communities that we serve. By trapping, neutering, and returning feral cats, we are giving them a better quality of life while helping to reduce the population in a humane, sustainable way. This approach makes a life-changing impact on outdoor cats and the communities where they live by promoting a healthier, more balanced environment for everyone.
Comments