Trap – Neuter – Return
Trap – Neuter – Return
Humanely and Effectively Managing Free-Roaming Domestic Cats
We Need More Traps!
We need more traps to continue our efforts! During 2021 we performed TNR on 71 cats and we want to increase that to over 100 in 2022 but really need more traps! We are looking to get traps from TruCatch as they are one of the best for TNR! We have setup a program through TruCatch to allow you to help by donating a trip or accessories to us!
See our TruCatch Donation Program Here!
What Is A Feral Cat?
People often times use the terms “stray” and “feral” when talking about the cats indiscriminately. While they are the same species, it is important to understand their differences. A stray cat is one that was a pet and has either been lost or abandoned by it’s previous owners. Stray cats may enjoy interaction with people. Feral cats are wild and prefer to avoid contact with humans. These cats are well-suited to living outdoors. Feral cats are typically the offspring of lost/abandoned pet cats as well as other feral cats. They typically are too fearful and wild to be handled or come into contact with humans.
What Is TNR?
TNR is a method for attempting to humanely and effectively manage free-roaming domestic cats. The process involves live-trapping the cats, having them spayed or neutered, ear-tipped for identification and vaccinated, then releasing them back into their territory. Optimally, a colony manager is assigned which could be a homeowner, neighbor, volunteer that will ensure that cats have access to food and water as well as monitor for any health concerns that need addressed. If the location is deemed unsafe or otherwise inappropriate, the cats may be relocated to other appropriate areas (barn/farmyard homes are often considered best). Ideally, friendly adults and kittens young enough to be easily socialized are retained and placed for adoption.
Have A Cat Needing TNR?
If you are in need of TNR, please complete the form below. A staff member will be in touch, usually within a week to discuss the options and a timeline to complete your TNR needs.
Please note that we are in and service Greene County, Indiana.
Willing To Take Cats Needing Relocation?
In rare situations, we are unable to relocate stray/feral cats back to the location in the place where they were trapped. In these situations, we must find a safe harbor to release them at where they can get access to food, water and shelter. Farms, barns and shops are an ideal place for TNR cats to be relocated. If you would be willing to accept cats needing relocated, please fill out the form below and we will be in touch when we have cats in need of a home to see if you are still open to it.
Why Is TNR Important?
The main goal of our TNR program is the reduction and eventual elimination of free-roaming cat populations. It is the most widely implemented non-lethal method of managing them. While this our primary goal, other benefits include:
- providing a better quality of life for community cats
- improving the communities in which these cats are found
- eliminating euthanasia at our shelter by providing an alternative for captured free-roaming cats
- eliminating or reducing nuisance behaviors to decrease public complaints about free-roaming cats
Why Return Over Relocate?
Efforts to relocate feral cat populations is typically less effective because feral cats typically can reproduce faster than they can be removed and relocated.
TNR works on the premise that once 95-100% of a colony is fixed that the existing cats will claim the resources with their territory which deters other cats from entering. Removing the cats typically will result in them being replaced by other feral cats who naturally come from the resources available.
What Are Our Feral Cat Policies?
Our county unfortunately suffers from an epidemic of unwanted stray and feral cats. We want to effectively manage this population without utilizing euthanasia as a tool. Due to this, we have strict policies in place to ensure the proper care for feral and stray cats.
- All cat intake must be pre-approved by the shelter as we typically are operating with limited capacity to house all of the unwanted animals.
- With rare exceptions, feral cats will need to be returned to their trapping location after the TNR is complete.
- TNR related intake must be preplanned and preapproved. No walk in feral cat drop off will be accepted for any reason.
- Due to restraints on access to surgeries, we will work to accommodate as many feral/stray cat requests as possible and keep a list of requests to work through as resources are available.
Want to help?
We want to continue to expand this program. We can use volunteers, equipment and funds to support our efforts. Each surgery costs $25-$50 depending on where we can get scheduled. We are also needing new and additional traps and other supplies to ensure the safe trapping and release of the cats. You can donate monetarily below using the PayPal link or sign up to volunteer in the form. We truly appreciate all of the communities support in making this effort a success.
Volunteer
Please complete the form below if you would be interested in learning more about how to get involved with our TNR program.
Questions About Our TNR Program?
Contact Us – Use The Form Below or Call 812-847-4780
Our Partners
We are always looking for new partners to work with for accomplishing our TNR goals. If your organization would be interested in becoming involved and partnering with us, please reach out!