TNR

Mar 10th, 2024 in

Cat Matchers is an all-volunteer powered 501c3 Rescue group and as such we:

ARE able to do the following:

  • Loan traps for you to take cats to a vet who participates in a TNR (trap/neuter/return) program
  • Mentor you through the process of TNR

ARE NOT able to do the following:

  • Remove feral cats from your neighborhood, place of business, etc.
  • Do the trapping and transporting of cats to the vet for you
  • Loan traps for you to take cats to local animal services agency, where they can be euthanized

Make sure you understand the steps involved when planning to conduct Trap-Neuter-Return. There are a number of things involved to make sure the TNR experience is successful and the cat(s) are safe. These are just a few suggestions:

  • Once you have trapped a cat, covering the trap with a towel reduces stress and possible injury to the cat in the trap.
  • Cover your car seat with something when transporting cats in traps
  • Make sure to to provide appropriate and necessary care after the surgery for a day or two, including food and water slipped into the trap
  • The trapped cat must be kept in a place that is climate controlled and safe
  • Do not leave trapped cats out overnight. They are in danger from predators. Watch from a distance or check the traps very often.
  • Set up a feeding schedule ahead of the TNR date and without food at the time of the TNR project so that the cats are hungry enough to go in the trap
  • Do not trap on a day or time that you cannot take the cat to a vet for spay/neuter the next day
  • Know the plan if you catch kittens or a lactating mom cat

For more detailed information, here is a step by step guide to help: https://www.alleycat.org/resources/how-to-help-community-cats-a-step-by-step-guide-to-trap-neuter-return/

When setting up your Vet appointments for TNR, please ask the Vet of your choice about their procedures/process:

  • What time the cat needs to be dropped off for surgery
  • Possible Extra Charges
  • What time the cat needs to be picked up after surgery
  • Other questions you might have

It is very important to make appointments for spay and neuter before actually trapping a cat.

  • Know which vet you will use and what days they are available. 
  • Know whether you need a voucher or appointment for the vet you plan to use
  • Know where you will recover the cat(s)
  • Know who is feeding in the area and coordinate the timing to have a successful trapping session
  • Know how the cat(s) be transported to and from the vet

TNR scenarios: https://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care-category/tnr/

Trap loan form/agreement

List of vets to use for TNR: Communicate with a Cat Matchers representative to get information about veterinarians to use with our voucher

There are low cost spay/neuter clinics available to walk-in clients, however, be aware that there is a limit to how many cats can be taken in during the walk-in process, the check-in process can take at least an hour and many feral trapping volunteers will line up very early in the morning to make sure the cats they have trapped will be accepted.