TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) and Feral Colonies: Are They Good For The Neighborhoods?

The term TNR (trap, neuter, return) has been around for quite some time and rescuers have been doing this for just as long or longer to help control the feral cat population.  What is a feral cat?  These cats are ones that cannot be touched by humans and do not like humans.  They normally will not come up to you but may watch from afar.  These cats can only be caught with humane traps in order to be spayed/neutered and then re-released back where they were caught.  It is important they are put back where they were trapped because introducing a feral cat into a new colony is nothing like introducing a new cat into a household.  The hierarchy is extremely different and there will be fights for this hierarchy.  Life threatening injuries can occur during these fights as well so it is just best to put them back where you found them.

Once the colony is established these cats will help control the mouse and bug population as well as some snakes.  If these cats are taken away the rodents, bugs and snakes will come into your area and you will have problems with them.  The cats go where the food is so if there is a colony then chances are there are mice.

The picture to the right is a cat in a humane trap.  The animal is not harmed in any way.  These cats are scared, confused and will strike out at you when you come close so you will need to be extremely careful.  Placing a towel over the trap can help them feel safer because cats like tight places to hide in to feel safe. 

Once this cat is neutered then recovery time will need to happen.  This only requires a day for boys and a couple of days for girls depending on the vet's suggestions.  Once this time is over, the cat can then be taken back to the place where he/she was trapped and released.  This is also a time to be cautious and stand to the back of the trap and make sure the cat doesn't try to come around the trap to get to you.  Most of the time they just want to get away from you and will run away. 

Here are a couple of good links for information regarding TNR and feral cats.

http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_WHAT_IS_TNR

http://www.aspca.org/adoption/feral-cats-faq.aspx

Some rescue organizations will adopt out what they call "barn cats" which is basically a semi-feral cat that doesn't necessarily like humans but relies on them for some food but will control the mouse population in a horse barn, for example.  It is a great way to keep the cats safe from the various dangers such as cars, mean spirited people, etc. as well as solve a problem for people who may have a mouse problem in their horse barns.  If you are even considering an outdoor only cat this may be the way to go for you and something you might want to consider.  These cats are very outdoor savy as opposed to those who have never lived outdoors or who have grown VERY accustomed to living indoors and prefer the indoor life.

If you have stray cats around your area please contact your local shelter or rescue organization for ideas on TNR programs or organizations in your area because there are likely options for you and keep in mind they are there because there is a food source that you might be glad they are controlling.

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