Feral cats are self-sufficient animals who do not pose a threat to the community. TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) is an effective and humane way of controlling the feral cat population by capturing them (Trap), spaying/neutering them with the inclusion of a rabies vaccine (Neuter), and by releasing back to where they came from (Return).

Please leave outdoor cats alone if they are not sick or injured. If you find kittens, please leave them with mom and do not take them in unless they are clearly abandoned. (more information on our kitten/neonatal care page). Please contact if you have any questions before touching/moving or attempting to capture kittens if possible.

How it works

The process starts by setting traps with food inside near feral colonies. The cats go into the trap and eat the food, stepping on the lever that closes the trap without hurting them. The trap is then picked up and transported to the clinic where they are given food and water and the trap is covered by a towel so they feel safe. They are sedated and taken into surgery where they are spayed or neutered, given a rabies shot and some pain medication, and their ear is tipped (this is the sign that a feral cat has been altered, so they don’t have to be trapped again!) The cats are then wrapped in a towel, given some corn syrup to keep their blood sugar up, and placed under a heat lamp so they can stay warm while they come out of anesthesia. Once they begin to wake up, the cats are put back in the trap and kept over night while they recover. The next day, they are taken back to where they were trapped and get released! They get to live out their long, healthy lives and no longer have to take care of unwanted litters. This program helps cut back on overpopulation dramatically and helps prevent more cats from going to the shelter where they are often ultimately euthanized. Please note, if a cat is not raised outside or is declawed, it will not survive outside. Do not drop your indoor cat off at a feral colony.

How you can help

We are always in need of donations of supplies and money, but we also need volunteers! We have many dedicated volunteers who feed and take care of colonies, trap feral cats on a weekly basis, and help at the clinic. It costs us $35 per cat. This cost is not required for people who bring cats to our clinic, but it is appreciated! If you are interested in helping, please visit our “Donate” page or contact us to find out more!

How to get your community cats into the TNR program

If you have feral outdoor cats in need of being spayed/ neutered, please fill out the form linked below. Cats who are “feral” and get an ear tip to return outside cost $35 (includes rabies) and pet cats who do not get an ear tip cost $60 (includes rabies).

Click here to fill out a survey to be added to the waitlist!

Please note that kittens must be 3 pounds or more. We will forward the information to our TNR coordinator who will then contact you to discuss it further. Please be patient as this is a volunteer run program with clinics every other week.