Once Upon a Feline TNR Program
Introducing "Once Upon A Feline TNR" – a new initiative aimed at making a lasting impact on the lives of our feline friends. With this Trap-Neuter-Return program, we embark on a journey to create a better future for stray and feral cats. Through responsible trapping, humane neutering, and returning them to their familiar colonies, we aspire to reduce overpopulation and improve their overall well-being. Join us as we rewrite the narrative for these furry companions, giving them the chance to live happier, healthier lives – one chapter at a time.
At Furrever & After Cat Sanctuary, we are committed to humane solutions for managing community cat populations. Our Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) program aims to improve the lives of feral and stray cats while also controlling their population in a humane and effective manner.
WHAT IS TNR?
Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) is a method used to humanely manage and reduce the overpopulation of feral and stray cats. The process involves:
- Trap: Cats are humanely trapped using live traps
- Spay/Neuter: Once trapped, cats are taken to a veterinary clinic where they are spayed or neutered to prevent future breeding
- Return: After surgery, cats are returned to their original colonies, where they can continue to live out their lives without contributing to the overpopulation growth.
WHY TNR?
TNR has been recognized as the most humane and effective method for managing community cat populations. By sterilizing cats and returning them to their colonies, TNR helps to stabilize populations over time, reduces nuisance behaviors associated with mating, and improves the overall health and welfare of the cats. It is important to note that our program does NOT relocate cats. Relocating cats can be dangerous to their well-being and can cause what is known as the Vacuum Effect.
Below you will find more information on the Vacuum Effect and why it is ineffective as well as an in depth video made by Alley Cat Allies.
How Is Our Program Different Than Others?
Our TNR program is different than other local TNR organizations due to the fact that we work one-on-one with caretakers, as well as provide transportation services for the cats going through our program. We currently use a Stow-N-Go where we can safely fit about 8-10 cats at a time to transport them up to the clinic we use which is about an hour away.
As you can imagine, we go through gas pretty regularly with our program and so any donation is truly appreciated as it allows us to continue doing what we do. Our organization also provides the TNR cats with a warm, safe holding space where we allow the cats to decompress for the recommended 24 hour period. After those 24 hours, we then return the cat back to your property.
OUR TNR SERVICES
- Sign Up and Waiting List: To participate in our TNR program, individuals or groups must sign up through our waiting list which will be linked at the bottom of this page. Once we reach their turn, we will contact them to initiate the trapping process.
**Keep in Mind: Our program requires a small fee of $30 per cat to help offset the costs of transportation and veterinary care. We will discuss this cost if there is a colony larger than 10 cats. This fee helps to ensure each cat receives the medical attention they need, including care for any injuries, illnesses, if they have fleas, and more.**
- Trap Loan Program: Upon sign-up, we provide traps to caretakers and educate them on proper trapping techniques.
- Spay/Neuter Services: After trapping the cats, we arrange transportation to a veterinary clinic where the cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, flea treated, and ear-tipped.
- Return to Colonies: Following surgery, the cats will be returned onto the caretakers property. Caretakers must be aware that there is a holding period for the cats after surgery that will need to be followed prior to releasing.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
We welcome volunteers, donations, and inquiries about our TNR program. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of community cats.
NEED HELP WITH A COLONY?
Below is a button to join our waiting list if you need help with a colony. Please note that in order for us to continue with this program we
need volunteers who are passionate to help trap the cats. There may be a delay in your request dependent on how many volunteers we need for your request.
SPONSOR A TNR KITTY!
TNR is a great way to humanely reduce the overpopulation one cat at a time. With your help, we could save many more feral/stray cats that are in desperate need of veterinary care thanks to your generous monthly sponsorship. By sponsoring $50 towards a TNR cat or kitten, you would be providing them the opportunity to get spayed/neutered, Rabies and FVRCP vaccinated, flea treated, and ear tipped (a safe universal symbol that tells people the cat/kitten has already been altered). How amazing is that?!