Trap-Neuter-Return

Wild cats, often called feral are free roaming cat populations. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes are the only proven humane way of controlling these populations.

Trap

Wild cats are humanely trapped in special traps.

Neuter

Once the cats are trapped they are then taken to a veterinary clinic to be health checked (and given medical treatment, if required), neutered/ spayed, and ear tipped.

An ear tip is where the tip of the cat’s left ear is removed under anaesthetic while he is being neutered/ she is being spayed. The operation does not cause any distress to the cat and does not impede his/ her natural activities in any way. An ear tip is a universal sign that a cat has been neutered/ spayed.

Return

Once the cat has fully recovered (we like to keep them overnight), she/he is returned to his/ her home to live out his/ her natural life.

WHY TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN?

TNR programmes improve the often strained relationship between wild cats and humans in our shared environment, especially in our crowded cities.

Breaks the breeding cycle.

The average litter of cats is 1 to 8 babies and 2-3 litters annually. One cat could have 100 kittens in her lifetime. However, her entire generation could include 420,00 kittens in only seven years, which is the average feral breeding lifespan. Many of these kittens will die of starvation, disease, and/ or human cruelty.

Improves the quality of life of the wild cats.

Neutering/ spaying prevents testicular tumours, uterine cancer and uterine infections. The risk of spayed females developing breast cancer is seven times lower than the risk for unspayed females. Neutered males are much less likely to get into fights and are therefore less likely to suffer from injuries. They also tend not to roam as they do not need to search for females to mate with and so are less likely to be involved in accidents. Spayed females suffer far less anxiety than their unspayed sisters.

Reduces human complaints about wild cats. 

Neutered males do not spray, their urine doesn’t smell, and they don’t fight other neutered males, so they will not disturb a neighbourhood at night. Spayed females will not howl incessantly for mates during mating season.

If you know of an un-neutered feral colony in your area please contact us for help.
For more information please read https://www.wideopenpets.com/how-many-babies-can-these-pets-have-in-a-lifetime/