02/23/2025
So, you’re on a TNR Page and not quite sure what that means, but you know it has to do with cats. And we all LOVE cats!
Here we go, TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Return.
TNR is a management technique in which homeless, free-roaming (community) cats are humanely trapped, evaluated and sterilized by a licensed veterinarian, vaccinated (vaccines vary according to your local program protocol), eartipped and then returned to their original habitat. There are times when trapped cats show signs of domestication and will be evaluated for adoption.
What is the primary benefit of TNR?
With 1.4 million cats euthanized annually, for lack of homes, shelter space, etc., WE need to help control the cat overpopulation. This includes stray/feral cats in our communities that are outside breeding recklessly. Their offspring, more often than not, suffering from feline diseases and Mother Natures harsh elements, have a hard life just to survive. They are at times cared for by humans, but mostly on their own constantly seeking food, water, shelter, and on guard from predators.
Many kittens are saved through the TNR program and are placed in foster care during necessary nutritional stages of their life and to evaluate for possible adoption.
Now here’s the ugly part:
When there is no room with any fosters/shelters/rescues, these kittens are returned to where they were trapped, to live a very hard life.
WE need to encourage EVERY cat owner to neuter their cats. By allowing them to breed only kills other kittens. These domestic kittens are taking away the chance of life for these kittens born in the wild.
You’re not doing the shelters a favor by donating kittens, on the contrary, you’re doing an injustice to hundreds of thousands kittens by taking away a spot in these shelters.
“My cat is indoor only”
NO! When Mother Nature calls, cats will try to find a mate.
“She should have one litter before spaying”
NO! There are no health benefits by allowing her to have a litter. In fact, there are benefits from early spaying.
Spaying your female cat before her first estrous cycle (going into "heat" or being able to breed) greatly reduces her risk of cervical cancer and eliminates her risk for ovarian cancer. Because removing the ovaries reduces the levels of hormones that encourage the growth of cancerous tumors, spaying reduces your cat's risk of mammary cancer as well.
Keep in mind there are other diseases resulting from natural cat behavior when they mate. Feline leukemia and feline AIDS are two diseases spread through the bites of infected cats to other cats, according to the VCA Hospitals (these diseases are different from human AIDS and leukemia, and cannot be transmitted from cats to people). By reducing your cat's urge to fight over mates and territory, you'll also reduce her chances of contracting these incurable diseases from other cats.
As for males, castration reduces aggressive behavior. Uncastrated male cats are driven by hormones to seek mates and defend their territory against intruders. So, two or more uncastrated male cats in the same household can spell trouble. Fights tend to break out, especially if there's a female cat in heat nearby. Castration also prevents testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostatic disease.
When female cats go into heat, both her hormones and instincts are urging her to find a mate. And if she's your only cat, she'll probably try to escape every time you open the door so that she can find one. Remember that males are also driven by hormones and the mating instinct, and will try their best to escape for the same reason. Both males and females are at risk outdoors of being injured and possibly killed by predators, or as they cross roads and highways to mate. By neutering your cat, feral or domestic, you'll reduce this wanderlust and find they're happy to stay put in a safe spot.
“I’ll find homes for the kittens”
NO! By giving away your kittens, you’re not only stopping potential adopters from rescuing a kitten at a shelter, you’re possibly setting that kitten up to be abandoned. YES, ABANDONED!
What happens when he starts spraying? Abandonment.
Or she’s yowling from being in heat? Abandonment.
Or she disappears for a few days and comes back pregnant? Abandonment.
Where do they wind up? On the streets trying to survive. And now mama cat is trying to provide for her kittens when she herself is malnourished. And guess what? Her kittens will grow up to be feral if WE don’t help. It’s a vicious circle.
Well, that’s it for now. This is just a glimpse into TNR and the life of a cat. As you follow this page more conversations will come up and more information will be shared. Please educate others and help stop this atrocity of 1.4 million cats a year being euthanized.
Contact your local program and see how you can help by either trapping, transportation, educating or even making trap covers. It takes a village.
As a start, share this post to educate others. You never know how many lives you can change.
We are a no kill 501(c)3 animal rescue & sanctuary. Our mission is to help the urgent pets in PBC Those that are at risk due to medical and emotional issues.
