Alley Cat Allies & SPCA Community Care: Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for Cats

Across neighborhoods nationwide, compassionate individuals like yourself are stepping up to care for outdoor cats. These cats, known as community cats, thrive in our shared outdoor spaces. You might also hear them referred to as feral cats, though it’s important to remember that not all unowned outdoor cats are truly feral. These community cats are domestic felines, the same Felis Catus species as our beloved house cats. The key difference is that community cats are unowned and typically not socialized to humans, making adoption unsuitable for them. However, they are not homeless; the outdoors is their established territory.

The most effective and humane way to support community cats is through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). This approach halts kitten births, stabilizes cat populations, provides crucial vaccinations, and significantly enhances the lives of these cats. TNR also addresses common mating-related behaviors like loud vocalizations, urine spraying, and territorial fighting, creating a more harmonious community for both cats and residents.

TNR: A Widely Accepted Best Practice

TNR is not a fringe idea; it’s a mainstream, globally recognized approach. Leading animal welfare organizations, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and groups involved in community care programs featuring the SPCA, advocate for and support TNR. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA), countless TNR organizations, and dedicated individuals all champion grassroots TNR initiatives as the gold standard in community cat management.

Understanding Trap-Neuter-Return: A Humane Approach

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is recognized as the only truly humane and effective method for managing community cat populations. This life-saving process involves three core steps:

1. Trap: Humanely capture all cats within a specific colony. A colony refers to a group of community cats living together in an outdoor area.

2. Neuter/Spay: Transport the trapped cats, still safely contained, to a veterinarian or a specialized clinic. Here, they will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated against rabies and other diseases, and eartipped. Eartipping, the removal of a small portion of the left ear tip, is a universally recognized symbol indicating that a community cat has been neutered and vaccinated. For more information on eartipping, visit alleycat.org/Eartip.

3. Return: Once the cats have recovered from surgery, return them to their original outdoor home where they were initially trapped. This ensures they remain in their familiar territory and social structure.

To witness TNR in action and learn practical techniques, explore videos on returning cats and implementing TNR at youtube.com/AlleyCatAllies, a resource provided by a leading organization in community care programs featuring the SPCA’s principles.

Important Guidance: Shelters Are Not the Solution for Community Cats

Traditional animal shelters are often ill-equipped to handle community cats. In fact, most shelters now acknowledge that shelters are not the ideal environment for these unowned felines.

Historically, bringing a community cat to a shelter, driven by good intentions, could unfortunately endanger the cat’s life. Due to their unsocialized nature, community cats are often deemed unadoptable, and sadly, euthanasia was a common outcome in many shelters. While positive outcomes for cats in shelters are improving, particularly with increased awareness and community care programs featuring the SPCA’s guidelines, nationwide statistics remain concerningly low.

Encouragingly, a growing number of animal shelters and animal control agencies are adopting more humane and effective policies for community cats. Many actively support community-led TNR efforts or are developing their own TNR programs, sometimes known as Shelter-Neuter-Return (SNR) or Return to Field (RTF) initiatives. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand your local shelter’s specific policies regarding community cats.

For further information on animal shelters and community cat policies, visit alleycat.org/AnimalShelters.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Community Cat Care Through TNR

This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on how to effectively and humanely assist community cats.

You’ve come to the right place to learn about and contribute to community care programs featuring the SPCA’s philosophies, as championed by Alley Cat Allies, a global leader in cat protection and welfare. Through innovative programs and dedicated advocacy, they champion the humane treatment of all cats. Their vision is a world where every cat is valued and protected, and every community and shelter implements policies and programs designed to save feline lives.

Since 1990, Alley Cat Allies has empowered countless individuals, shelters, and organizations globally to improve cat lives. They achieve this by providing expert guidance on TNR implementation and educating communities about its profound benefits. This guide equips you with the knowledge and confidence to join the growing movement of compassionate individuals worldwide who are making a real difference for community cats!

It’s highly recommended that you thoroughly read this entire guide and address any questions before you begin trapping.

Locate Local TNR Support with the Alley Cat Allies Community Resource Tool

Find essential resources for cats in your area, including low-cost spay/neuter clinics and cat food banks, quickly and easily.

TNR thrives on community involvement! Connecting with local resources is vital for success, and the Alley Cat Allies Community Resource Tool is designed to help. This tool, valuable for anyone engaging in community care programs featuring the SPCA’s model, pinpoints local veterinary resources, especially low-cost clinics experienced with community cats and TNR. It’s the perfect way to discover local cat welfare organizations and connect with veterinarians experienced in TNR. You can also network with fellow cat advocates for support and guidance!

STEP 1: Preparing for Cat Trapping

TNR significantly improves the welfare of community cats and offers numerous benefits to the wider community.

Keep these essential tips in mind as you begin:

Community cats are naturally cautious of humans.

This inherent wariness should guide every decision you make during trapping. Cats often experience fear and stress in unfamiliar situations, and being trapped and transported to a vet can be overwhelming. This is true even for cats who are typically comfortable around their regular caregivers.

Even domesticated pet cats can become anxious in new environments! Community cats cannot verbally communicate if they are in pain or distress. Instead, they might struggle to escape the trap or become withdrawn. Maintaining a quiet, calm, and mindful approach is crucial throughout the trapping process to ensure their well-being.

Each trapping scenario is unique.

Every colony location, be it a university campus, industrial area, farm, alleyway, business parking lot, or other setting, presents its own unique challenges and factors to consider.

Exercise your judgment and common sense to adapt these guidelines to your specific situation. For example, you might need to coordinate with university authorities, collaborate with other cat caregivers, or ensure you have sufficient traps and transport for a large colony.

Planning is paramount before you begin trapping.

Take the time to gain confidence and familiarity with the process. Review all TNR steps and potential scenarios detailed in this guide and online resources. Develop a tailored plan for your specific situation. A well-thought-out plan will help you remain calm and focused during trapping, minimizing stress for the cats and ensuring their safety.

Remember, you are acting in the best interest of these cats. Implementing TNR significantly improves their lives. Refer to a sample timeline for a TNR effort at alleycat.org/TNRTimeline to help with your planning.

Never attempt to physically handle or pick up a community cat, even kittens.

Doing so risks injury to both yourself and the cat. (Important: An unvaccinated cat could be euthanized for rabies testing if it bites a person!)

Only utilize humane box traps or drop traps for trapping community cats.

(Avoid darts or tranquilizers). Examples of humane traps are widely available online. Explore different trap types and other helpful TNR equipment at alleycat.org/Equipment.

Aim to trap ALL cats and kittens in a single trapping session.

This is crucial because repeated exposure to trapping can make cats increasingly wary of traps, hindering future efforts.

Building Community Support and Understanding

Educate your neighbors about community cats and TNR.

Before initiating TNR, gather as much information as possible through observation and by engaging with your neighbors.

A thorough understanding of the community cats in your area—their numbers, social dynamics, and interactions with people—greatly increases the likelihood of a successful first TNR effort.

Your curiosity can save lives.

Many individuals begin helping community cats simply by noticing them. Perhaps you saw a cat or two, became curious, and started observing them regularly, maybe even providing food.

Over time, through your observations (like the absence of collars), you likely realized they were unowned community cats, not pets. As your concern for their well-being grew, you sought more information. This natural progression is common and incredibly helpful.

Shift focus to the human community surrounding the cats.

Once you’ve confirmed the presence of un-ear-tipped community cats needing TNR in your neighborhood, and you’ve decided to implement a TNR program, briefly shift your attention from the cats to the people living nearby.

Many neighbors have likely noticed and may even care for the cats you plan to trap.

They might be concerned or upset if cats are trapped and removed without explanation. Some neighbors may already be feeding or caring for the cats without your knowledge. Coordinating with them is not only courteous but also practical. Encouraging them to withhold food leading up to trapping day will significantly improve your trapping success.

Initiate friendly, positive communication with residents and businesses near the cat colony.

Visit homes and businesses, introduce yourself, explain your plan to help the neighborhood cats through TNR, and outline your planned schedule. Door hangers explaining TNR, your schedule, and purpose are available for distribution from the Alley Cat Allies Shop (alleycat.org/shop).

Communicate openly and educate those around you.

Open communication and education are vital components of successful TNR, aligning with community care programs featuring the SPCA’s outreach principles. Some people may have concerns due to a lack of awareness about community cats living outdoors or the benefits of spaying/neutering. They may also have existing issues with the cats that TNR can help address. Even those with concerns likely do not want to see the cats harmed.

Position yourself as the point of contact.

By offering yourself as the go-to person for questions or concerns, you can proactively prevent misunderstandings and potential threats to the cats’ safety. Learn more about fostering positive coexistence between cats and communities at alleycat.org/CommunityRelations.

Seek buy-in from existing caregivers.

If you notice signs of other caregivers (food/water bowls, shelters), leave your contact information near a food station with a note indicating you are there to help the cats. If other caregivers are involved, discuss your TNR plans with them. Their cooperation can be essential for a successful TNR effort.

Utilize a Cat Colony Tracking System.

Employ the Alley Cat Allies’ Community Cat Colony Tracking System (alleycat.org/Tracking) to document the number of cats in the colony and brief descriptions of each cat (refer to the Cat Identification Guide at alleycat.org/IDGuide). Include health status and photos of each cat if possible.

Tip: Outreach materials to help you communicate with neighbors about community cats and TNR are available in English, Spanish, and French at alleycat.org/Shop.

Preparing for Unique Situations: Advance Planning is Key

Kittens:

You might encounter kittens during trapping. If kittens appear healthy, their mother is likely nearby, even if unseen. The best place for kittens is with their mother. Adopt a “Leave Them Be” approach. Once kittens are weaned and old enough, both mother and kittens can be trapped, neutered/spayed, and returned. Learn more at alleycat.org/LeaveThemBe.

Nursing Mothers:

If you trap a nursing mother cat, remain calm. Spay her as planned and return her to her colony within 24 hours, following veterinary instructions. She will return to her kittens and resume nursing.

Pregnant Cats:

Pregnant cats can still be safely spayed. Confirm with your veterinarian beforehand to ensure they are experienced with this procedure.

Sick or Injured Cats:

Plan ahead for the possibility of trapping ill or injured cats. Have a community cat-friendly veterinarian’s contact information readily available, including one with emergency hours coinciding with your trapping schedule. Establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected veterinary expenses, ensuring you can provide immediate medical care if needed.

What if a cat is friendly?

Community cats exhibit varying levels of socialization. Some are completely unsocialized and avoid human contact, while others might tolerate petting from caregivers but remain wary of strangers. Learn about cat socialization at alleycat.org/StrayOrFeral.

For highly socialized cats, consider seeking foster or adoptive homes. However, adoption isn’t always necessary. If a socialized community cat is thriving outdoors, they will likely continue to do so after TNR. Many community cats are deeply bonded to their colony mates, making return to their colony the most beneficial option.

Establishing a Consistent Feeding Schedule

To acclimate cats to eating in your presence (helpful for observation), establish a regular feeding time and location. Feed them only what they can consume within 30 minutes, then remove any remaining food. If using a feeding station, position it in a discreet, low-traffic area.

Coordinate feeding and trapping schedules with other caregivers for efficient resource use.

Tip: For easier trapping, place food inside unset traps for 1-2 weeks prior to trapping day. This familiarizes cats with traps. Only place food inside traps during this pre-feeding period, and prop the trap door open or remove the back door to prevent accidental trapping. Remove traps after feeding to prevent theft, damage, or unintended trapping.

Finding and Collaborating with a Spay/Neuter Clinic

Partner with a veterinarian or spay/neuter clinic experienced with community cats and aligned with community care programs featuring the SPCA’s low-cost initiatives. Fortunately, numerous spay/neuter clinics exist nationwide. If you need help finding one, use the Community Resource Tool.

The Alley Cat Allies Community Resource Tool can connect you with veterinarians and vital resources in your area.

Alternatively, you can work with your existing veterinarian. If they are new to community cats but willing to learn, direct them to Alley Cat Allies’ comprehensive veterinary resource center at alleycat.org/Veterinarian.

Consider these points when choosing a clinic and preparing for surgeries:

1. Costs:

Inquire about exact costs for spay/neuter, vaccinations, eartipping, and other treatments. Some clinics offer all-inclusive flat rates, while others itemize services, potentially charging extra for surgery-related treatments like anesthesia and pain medication.

2. Appointment Flexibility:

Ensure the clinic understands the variable nature of cat trapping. You might plan for six cats but trap four or unexpectedly trap more. Clinic flexibility to accommodate slight changes in numbers is important.

3. Testing Protocols:

Routine FIV/FeLV testing is increasingly discouraged by shelters and vets, recognizing these viruses are cat-specific and not routinely life-threatening. Many infected cats live long, healthy lives. Humans cannot contract these viruses. Community cats are not more prone to these viruses than pet cats. Alley Cat Allies opposes routine FIV/FeLV testing. Confirm the clinic’s testing policy, ideally choosing one that does not routinely test. Learn more at alleycat.org/FeLV-FIV.

4. Vaccinations:

Cats should receive rabies and FVRCP vaccines. FVRCP protects against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (feline distemper). Additional vaccines are generally unnecessary for community cats in TNR programs.

5. Eartipping:

Confirm the clinic understands the importance of eartipping and performs it correctly. Eartipping, the painless removal of the left ear tip while under anesthesia, is the universal TNR identifier, signaling a cat is neutered, vaccinated, and should be left undisturbed. Learn more about eartipping and veterinary instructions at alleycat.org/Eartip.

6. Microchipping:

Veterinarians should always scan for microchips immediately. This can reunite lost stray pets with their families. Microchipping community cats in TNR is strongly recommended. It aids colony tracking and ensures contact if a cat is brought to a vet or shelter. Microchips can save community cat lives. Learn more at alleycat.org/MicrochipsSaveLives.

7. Care for Ill or Injured Cats:

Understand the clinic’s procedures for cats needing extra medical care. Clarify treatment costs and ensure they will contact you for decisions on unexpected procedures, including humane euthanasia if necessary.

8. Kitten Considerations:

Ask about age/weight requirements for kitten spay/neuter. Healthy kittens over 2 pounds can be safely spayed/neutered. Inquire about kitten surgery protocols. Pediatric spay/neuter information is at alleycat.org/PediatricSpayNeuter. Consult your vet about kitten pre-surgery feeding; kittens may not need food withheld due to faster metabolisms. Learn about safe in-trap feeding at alleycat.org/InTrapCare.

9. Pregnant/In-Heat Females:

Confirm if the vet will spay pregnant or in-heat females and their experience with these procedures. Are there extra fees?

10. Clinic Protocols:

Verify dissolvable sutures are used, eliminating suture removal appointments. Ensure removal of all clinic-attached items (tags, bandages). Confirm trap tags, with return location info, remain on traps, and cats are returned to their original traps post-surgery. Trap tag template: alleycat.org/TrapTag. Provide a cat clinic tag for each cat to ensure clear communication of expectations. (Template: alleycat.org/CatClinicTag).

11. Recovery Procedures:

Determine cat discharge times post-surgery, including variations for males, females, pregnant females, etc. Does the clinic offer overnight recovery? Is there an extra fee? Veterinary surgery recovery instructions: alleycat.org/Veterinarian. More veterinarian information for community cat care: alleycat.org/Veterinarian. Financial aid resources: alleycat.org/Economy.

Tip: Pre-operative blood tests, common for pet cats, are not typical for community cats in TNR programs.

Setting Up a Safe Holding/Recovery Area

While cats often go to the clinic and return to their colony on the same day, a safe holding/recovery area is crucial in case overnight stays are needed.

• Choose an indoor, dry, temperature-controlled (around 75°F/24°C), secure overnight holding area.
• Suitable locations include bathrooms, basements, and garages. Your clinic may also have a recovery area.
• Ensure the area is quiet and inaccessible to other animals.
• Secure all exits (doors, windows, etc.) to prevent escape.

Assembling Your Essential Trapping Kit

Your trapping kit should contain:

• A PARTNER: Alley Cat Allies recommends trapping with at least one other person for safety and support. A cell phone and flashlight are also essential for safety reasons.
• TRAPS: One trap per cat, plus extras for unexpected cats. Recommended traps: alleycat.org/Equipment.
• BAIT: Entice cats into traps with strong-smelling canned tuna, mackerel, sardines, or similar oily fish in pop-top cans. Bring a can opener if cans are not pop-top.
• WET WIPES/PAPER TOWELS: For easy cleanup.
• FORKS/SPOONS: For bait scooping.
• NEWSPAPER: To line trap bottoms. Tape or clothespins to secure newspaper in windy conditions. Magnetic vent covers also work well.
• TRAP LABELS: For date, cat description, trapping location, and observations (injuries).
• TRAP COVERS: Large towels, blankets, or sheets (cut to size) to fully cover traps. One per trap.
• CARABINERS/TWIST TIES/PIPE CLEANERS: To secure trap doors.
• TRASH BAGS: For bait lids, used utensils, etc.
• THICK GLOVES: For safe and comfortable trap handling.
• ALLEY CAT ALLIES COMMUNITY CAT COLONY TRACKING SYSTEM (alleycat.org/Tracking), pen/pencil, and clipboard.
• VEHICLE LINERS: Cardboard, plastic trash bags, shower curtain, or puppy pads for vehicle protection.
• BUNGEE CORDS: To secure traps in your vehicle.
• PATIENCE: Trapping can be time-consuming and sometimes stressful. A calm approach and pre-planning are key to success.

More packing details: alleycat.org/Equipment.

Equipment Preparation

A trap tag with key information is crucial for each trap.

Practice setting and baiting traps beforehand. Test trap functionality. Ensure you have enough door securing items (carabiners, twist ties).

Complete trap tags with your name, phone number, and purpose. Trap tag template: alleycat.org/TrapTag.

Use a vehicle large enough to comfortably hold all traps in a climate-controlled area. Never stack traps or place cats in trunks or open truck beds. Use a tarp to protect vehicle seats/cargo area.

Scheduling Spay/Neuter Clinic Appointments

Choose your trapping day and schedule clinic appointments as close to trapping time as possible. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Aim to trap the day before or morning of appointments.

Schedule appointments for the expected number of cats, informing the clinic you may bring slightly more or less. Inquire about overnight post-surgery holding at the clinic.

You are now prepared to begin trapping!

STEP 2: Trapping

Setting Up and Preparing for Trapping

Complete all setup away from the cat colony to minimize disturbance, aligning with community care programs featuring the SPCA’s low-stress handling principles. Throughout trapping, clinic visits, recovery, and return, maintain a calm and quiet environment to reduce cat stress.

Withhold food for 24 hours before trapping, but always provide water. This ensures cats are hungry enough to enter traps. Remind other caregivers/neighbors to withhold food as well.

On trapping day, prepare all traps:

1. Count and record the number of traps. Sketch a map of trap locations, especially in large areas, to track trap placement and cat origin.

2. Line trap bottoms with newspaper or vent covers. Secure newspaper with tape or clothespins if windy.

3. Test the trip plate mechanism before baiting each trap.

4. Place about one tablespoon of bait at the trap’s back, forcing cats to step on the trip plate. Use a disposable container (plastic lid/paper plate) for bait if desired. Drizzle bait juice in a zigzag pattern towards the entrance. Place a tiny amount of food (¼ teaspoon) just inside the entrance to encourage entry. Avoid excessive entrance bait to ensure the cat goes further into the trap to reach the main bait at the back, and ensure an empty stomach for surgery.

5. Place traps on level ground. Unstable traps deter cats. Avoid hills where traps might tip. Prevent placing metal traps on extremely hot or cold pavement to protect paws.

6. Complete the trap location details on your trap label for easier return.

7. Cover traps, leaving only about ¼ of the front exposed. If cats are hesitant, try removing covers. Adapt to individual cat preferences with a mix of covered and uncovered traps.

8. Set traps and move away, out of sight of the cats.

9. Be patient. Observe traps continuously until a cat is trapped and the trap closes.

Tip: Keep traps under constant surveillance for cat safety and equipment security. Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing cats, but close enough to monitor all traps. Never leave set traps unattended.

Approaching Trapped Cats Calmly

1. Do not open traps or touch cats, even if they appear distressed. Thrashing is normal fear response. Covering the trap will quickly calm them. Cats should only be removed from traps for surgery and upon return to their colony.

2. Secure trap doors with carabiners, twist ties, or similar items immediately after trapping.

3. When trapping entire colonies, use discretion about removing trapped cats immediately. Approaching one trap might scare others away. Wait until no other cats are nearby before retrieving trapped cats. Partially cover trap backs upon setting to provide initial security while waiting for full coverage.

4. These are guidelines; adapt as needed. For example, severely thrashing cats might require immediate trap covering and removal. In extreme weather, cover trapped cats and move them to a temperature-controlled area (like your car) immediately.

IMPORTANT: Trapped cats can die from hypothermia or heatstroke outdoors. If the temperature is uncomfortable for you, it’s too extreme for trapped cats. Move them to a temperature-controlled holding area promptly.

5. Re-count traps before leaving to ensure none are left behind.

Tip: Cats can become trap-shy (fearful of traps) or trap-savvy (bait-stealing). Don’t be discouraged. Techniques exist for trapping hard-to-trap cats, including drop traps. Learn more at alleycat.org/HardtoTrap.

Transporting Cats from the Trapping Site

Safely transport cats to the vet clinic or your prepared holding area, adhering to the preparation guidelines.

Step 3: Post-Surgery

1. Cats should be returned in their original labeled traps, cleaned and relined with newspaper. You’ll receive medical records, rabies certificates, and microchip IDs. Keep these records organized.

2. Allow cats to recover overnight in their traps, either at the clinic or your recovery area. Maintain a climate-controlled, quiet recovery environment (around 75°F/24°C). Anesthesia impairs temperature regulation, making a warm, not hot, recovery area essential.

3. Keep traps covered during recovery to minimize stress and ensure safety for both you and the cats.

4. Monitor cats regularly (hourly or bi-hourly) for bleeding, infection, illness, or appetite loss. Contact your vet immediately for bleeding, vomiting, irregular breathing, or failure to wake up.

5. Feed kittens under 6 months shortly after waking. Adult cats can be fed a few hours later or after colony return. Learn safe in-trap feeding at alleycat.org/PostSurgery.

6. Return cats to their colony 24 hours post-surgery if alert and clear-eyed, unless the clinic advises otherwise for slow recovery or ongoing care needs.

In extreme weather, ensure cats are fully recovered due to anesthesia’s impact on temperature regulation (more at alleycat.org/WinterTips). Generally, prompt return is best as confinement is very stressful for community cats.

7. Return cats to their exact trapping location, ideally in the quiet early morning. Point traps away from roads/traffic. Open the trap front door and fully remove the cover. If using a back-door trap, remove the cover, lift the back door, and remove the cover completely, then step away. Maintain distance and keep hands clear when opening traps. Cats may pause momentarily before running off. Videos of cat returns and TNR techniques are at youtube.com/AlleyCatAllies.

8. Provide food and water after return. Caregivers can resume regular feeding schedules. Cats might stay away for a few days post-return but will eventually reappear.

9. Clean traps with non-toxic disinfectant, discard newspaper, and wash trap covers.

More detailed post-surgery instructions: alleycat.org/PostSurgery.

CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve completed a successful trapping.

You’ve joined a global community of compassionate individuals improving community cat lives! The cats you helped will live healthier, happier lives, benefiting your entire community. Your dedication makes a significant difference—be proud!