What Is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)?

TNR is a humane and effective approach to controlling the feral cat population. In practice for decades in the US and the EU, scientific studies show that TNR improves the lives of feral cats, improves their relationships with the people who live near them, and decreases the size of colonies over time.

TNR is successfully practiced in hundreds of communities and in every landscape and setting. It is exactly what it sounds like: Cats older than six months are humanely trapped and taken to a licensed 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.