Trap-Neuter-Return

What is a Feral Cat?

Watch this 1-minute video from Alley Cat Allies. Our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) project helps free-roaming cats like these. Look for the eartip!

WHAT IS TNR?

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the humane, effective approach to controlling the size of a feral or free-roaming cat population-no more kittens! The cats are humanely trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, and eartipped (the universal symbol of a neutered and vaccinated cat) and then returned to their outdoor home. One or more caretakers are identified to feed and watch over them. If a new cat appears, it is immediately captured for TNR. When possible, socialized cats and kittens are adopted into homes.

TNR cats are known as "community" or "neighborhood" cats that are helped - but not exactly owned - by their caretakers. When discussing TNR, the term "feral cat" includes strays, abandoned pets, wild kittens, and other free-roaming cats in a colony. TNR improves cats' lives and their relations with the community by stopping the behaviors and stresses associated with mating. TNR helps things become more peaceful for everyone.

The traditional method of trap-remove-euthanize or "capture and kill" is discredited since more cats move in when the others are removed. This is described as the "vacuum" effect. If the traditional approach really worked, would we have the overpopulation crisis we have today? TNR has been endorsed by national animal welfare groups, as well as many animal control departments, as the best option for feral cats and the communities they inhabit.

Keeping healthy, sterilized cats in the area of their choosing limits a colony's size and keeps other cats from moving in. TNR cats tend to stay closer to home, do not wander in search of mates, and enjoy improved health. Learn more at Alley Cat Allies.

IS TNR AVAILABLE IN HAYWOOD COUNTY?

Yes! Haywood Spay/Neuter has humane traps available for loan (deposit required) that can be picked up at our office at the same time you purchase sterilization surgery and vaccination for the cat. You can reserve space on our alternate week transport OR take the cat-in-trap directly to Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic in Asheville before 10:30 AM Monday through Thursday. The cat remains overnight in the clinic and should be picked up by 9:30 AM the day after surgery.

For large colonies, a TNR volunteer can help the caretaker trap and transport the entire colony to/from the clinic. Trapping sessions can be scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Call Susan at 828-400-5981 for more information.

All TNR cats are returned to their capture site after they recover from sterilization surgery. Haywood Spay/Neuter does not offer placement services that assist caretakers with finding homes for friendly cats and kittens.

IS FINANCIAL HELP AVAILABLE?

Yes! Haywood Spay/Neuter offers affordable copays thanks to our generous donors. Our solution is perfect for both small and large colonies. Call Susan at 828-400-5981 for more information.

The generosity of PetSmart Charities covers most costs for colonies in the mid-section of Haywood County, including the Canton, Jonathan Creek, Maggie Valley, and Waynesville areas.

North and south Haywood County are not currently covered by grant funds but we’ll work with you to get your colony fixed. This includes residents in Bethel, Cecil, Clyde, Crabtree, East Fork, Fines Creek, Ironduff, Pigeon and White Oak communities.

Volunteer to help with our TNR efforts! Click here for more info.