TNR

                                       WHAT IS TNR?

TNR is the most humane and effective way to manage feral cat populations. TNR stands for Trap, Neuter, Return. The cats are humanly trapped, de-sexed and vaccinated before being returned to where they were trapped. This not only helps stop the reproducing, but also prevents diseases, lowers aggression, stops unwanted behaviors like fighting and spraying, and stops the suffering of future generations. We return the cats because now that they are neutered, they stabilize the colony and prevent other cats from moving in and that is the home that they know. 

 FOR FEEDER/CARETAKER TNR IN OFF MONTHS

Starting January 2026, we will be expanding out TNR program to enable the feeders/caretakers the power to help the cats they are feeding in a prompter manner. During the off months of spring and fall TNR, Happy Tails will make 5 appointments for feral community cats. 

Cats will need to be in a trap. They will be left ear-tipped, neutered, FIV/FeLV tested and rabies vaccinated (no exceptions). The cats will then be returned to where it was picked up. If cats are pregnant, cats will spay aborted. If cats test positive for FIV/FeLV they will be humanly euthanized. Happy Tails will post where TNR will take place and all cats going through the program.

Happy Tails will loan traps and other equipment to the feeder/caretaker. The feeder/caretaker will trap the cat at least 24 hours before appointment and no more than 48 hours before the appointment. Happy Tails will be in touch and pick up the cat for the appointment. After the appointment is done, Happy Tails will bring the cat back where the feeder/caretaker will provide a warm, quiet, safe space for the cat to recover for 48 hours because cats cannot regulate their temperature after surgery. Then the cat can be released in the same area it was trapped.

                             FOR SPRING & FALL TNR

If you know of an area with a lot of feral or community cats that are not spayed and neutered and want to let us know to see if we can TNR, email us at rescue@mthappytails.org. We tend to concentrate on large population areas like trailer courts or neighborhoods with lots of cats. We do not do farms or in the country for this time.