TNR saves lives.

Trapping is the first step in the TNR process and involves using a humane, baited trap to safely contain the cat. Never set a trap overnight or when you aren’t present to respond and remove the trap once the cat is safely caught.

Sterilization surgery is the cornerstone of TNR because it prevents future litters and helps stabilize or reduce community cat populations over time. It also improves cats’ health and reduces nuisance behaviors like yowling, spraying, and fighting.

Vaccinating for rabies protects both the cats and the community from the spread of disease, which is especially important for outdoor populations. Ear-tipping — the painless removal of a small portion of the left ear — is the universal sign that a cat has been sterilized and vaccinated, preventing unnecessary retrapping.

Returning the cat to the location where it was originally trapped is important because that’s the area they know as home — where they find food, shelter, and safety. Relocating cats can cause disorientation, stress, and territorial conflicts with other animals.