What is TNR?

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the only humane, non-lethal solution to the massive overpopulation of cats which results in heartbreaking numbers of cats euthanized each year.  TNR is the process by which:

1. Free-roaming cats that do not allow human contact are trapped using humane box traps. 
2. Friendly adoptable cats and young kittens are placed for adoption. 
3. The remaining feral cats are taken to a veterinarian for disease testing, sterilization, vaccinations and ear-tipping. 
4. After recovering from surgery, the cats are returned exactly to where they were trapped.  A volunteer caregiver provides food & water daily, ensures adequate shelter and monitors the cat's health for the remainder of the cat's life, which averages 3-4 years.
5. The caregiver continues to monitor the colony, ensuring newcomers are TNRd asap.

TNR benefits cats and humans

• The breeding cycle stops.
• The cats are healthy and vaccinated.  Sterilization provides added benefits such as eliminating the chance of cancer in the reproductive organs.
• Spraying, fighting & caterwauling are significantly reduced or eliminated, since these behaviors are related to mating.
• The cats roam less, decreasing their chances of being hit by a car or otherwise coming into harm's way.
• Over time, the colony size decreases, theoretically, in time to a natural end. 
• Tax savings.  In Chicago's northwest and western suburbs, municipalities that employ the proven unsuccessful "trap and kill" method to population control spend on average $70 just for a veterinarian to administer the lethal injection.  That does not include the Animal Control Officer's time, the holding facility, or other resources.  Feral cats can be vetted for as little as $20.