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Reduce Homeless Cat Overpopulation
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
The Humane Approach to Feral (Outdoor) Cat Control
and Proven Method to Reduce the Number of Homeless Cats
Facts
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TNR is the most humane and most effective way of controlling feral
cat populations.
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When cats are removed from an area, other feral or stray cats move
in to take advantage of the food source, so removing feral cats
only temporarily solves the problem.
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TNR has been used with success across the US and all over the world.
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TNR is the preferred method of control for feral cat populations
in England, Denmark, and many other forward-thinking countries.
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TNR is more cost-effective than trapping and killing feral cats.
The average cost of sterilization is $35, while the average cost
of euthanasia is $105. Plus, as mentioned above, killing the
cats does not get rid of them; more simply move in and take up residence,
replacing those who were removed. A vaccinated, sterilized colony
of feral cats poses no rabies threat to humans (Raccoons, skunks,
and bats are the most common carriers of rabies) and will deter
other feral cats from moving into the area.
For information on FREE Workshops on Feral Cats and TNR go to
http://www.alleycat.org/chicago/workshops.html.
Steps for Conducting Trap-Neuter-Return
(TNR)
in Your Area *
 RENT TRAPS
If you do not own traps, please
contact your local shelter or the PAWS Chicago Lurie Family spay/neuter
clinic at 773-521-SPAY (7729) to arrange to pick up a trap. PAWS Chicago
rents out traps for a refundable $50 deposit (credit card or personal
check). PAWS Chicago will fully refund your deposit upon the
return of these items.
SPAY/NEUTER
Appointments are not
required for feral cats, but please limit your number to five
feral cats per day per customer. Cat must be at least 2 months
old and weigh 2 lbs. or more. PAWS Chicago offers free surgery
for feral cats with a $20 charge for ear tipping, rabies and
distemper vaccination, Penicillin shot, flea and tick treatment,
de-wormer injection, ear cleaning, ear mite medication, and
clean and dress any wounds. The Lurie Family Spay/Neuter Clinic
is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and select
Saturdays. Feral cats must be in traps and dropped off between
7:15AM and 9:00AM. Pick up is the same day at 5:00PM.
PREPARE THE TRAPS
Create a sign stating, "Rescue
in Process – Do Not Remove," and attach a copy to each trap. Insert
the sign into a plastic freezer bag, or other protective cover before
placing on the trap so that it will be readable even in wet weather.
Unlatch the rear door and take it off so you can get your hands inside
the trap. Be sure to re-lock the rear door before trapping. If your
trap does not have a rear door then secure the front door open with
a twist tie so that it won't keep falling shut while you work. Fold
newspaper lengthwise and place it inside the bottom of the trap to
disguise the wires. Do not use newspaper if it is windy. Place approximately
one tablespoon of bait along the very back of the trap. You can use
a lid or container for this if you wish. Now drizzle some juice from
the bait along the trap towards the entrance in a zigzag pattern.
Place about one-fourth teaspoon of bait in the middle of the trap
on the trip-plate, and one-fourth teaspoon about six inches inside
the front of the trap. The cat will move his paws trying to get the
zigzagged bait, thus springing the trap. It is important not to leave
too much bait in the front or middle; this may satisfy the cat and
he will leave without setting off the trap.
SET THE TRAPS
Take the traps to the
trapping site and place them on stable ground – make sure they
will not rock or tip. Stagger the traps and place them facing in
different directions. Try to think like a cat and place the traps
where it will be tempting. Move quietly and slowly, and try to
remain relaxed so your mannerisms will not frighten cats away. Set
and cover the traps. Leave the area quietly. A cat is unlikely to
enter a trap if you are standing nearby. You will want to
periodically check on the trap quietly from a distance – to see if
you’ve trapped a cat and also to make sure that the trap hasn’t
been stolen. Also, you do not want to leave a cat in the trap for
too long. Traps may also be stolen, damaged, or set off. Someone
who does not understand your intentions may release a trapped cat.
Trapping a feral cat may take some time. Be patient. It may take the
cat a few minutes to go into the trap. Make sure the trap is sprung
and the cat securely trapped before you approach the trap. If you
come out too soon you may frighten the cat away.
PLACE CATS IN HOLDING AREA
You will need a place to keep
the trapped cats until you drop them off for their spay/neuter appointments.
Covering the traps will help to keep the cats calm. It is normal for
the cat to thrash around inside the trap. It is very tempting to release
him, but he will not hurt himself if the trap is covered. If a cat
has already hurt himself, do not release him. Most injuries from traps
are very minor, such as a bruised or bloody nose or scratched paw
pad. If you trap a severely injured or sick cat, rush him to a veterinary
clinic (please note that PAWS Chicago does not operate a full service veterinary
clinic). Make sure they are in a place where it is dry and warm. They
can stay in a basement or isolated room if the weather is poor. It
is possible for a cat to die from hypothermia when confined in a trap
outside in cold weather. A simple guideline: If it is too cold outside
for you, then it is too cold for the cats. Do not leave cats in traps
exposed to excessive heat or sun.
BRING CATS TO SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
The PAWS Chicago Lurie Family spay/neuter clinic is
located at 3516 W. 26th St., near Kedzie Ave. Drop off time is
between 7:15AM-9:00AM Pick up is at 5:00PM. After surgery, allow the cats to recover overnight in the
same traps, still covered. Female cats usually need to be held
for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Male cats can be returned to
the trapping site 12 to 24 hours following surgery as long as
they are fully awake and do not require further medical
attention. Make sure all cats are fully conscious and alert
before release. If a cat needs further care (longer than 48
hours), you will need to transfer him into a holding pen or cat
playpen.
RETURN!
Release the cat in the same place you trapped him. Open the front
door of the trap and pull back the cover. If the trap has a rear door,
pull the door up and off, pull off the cover, then walk away. Do not
be concerned if the cat hesitates a few moments before leaving. He
is simply re-orienting himself to his surroundings. It is not uncommon
for the cat to stay away for a few days after release; he will return
eventually. Keep leaving food and water out; he may eat when you are
not around. Never release the cat into a new area. Relocating cats
without the proper steps can endanger the cat's life. He will try
to return to his old home, and may become lost or attempt to cross
major roads. Also, feral cats form strong bonds with other cats in
their colonies. Separating a cat from his colony members and leaving
him alone in a new environment will cause stress, depression, and
loneliness.
FEEL GREAT!
You’ve saved the lives of many cats and improved the living quality
of our feral friends.
WE THANK YOU!!!
(*Each community has different laws regarding free roaming
animals. Please check with your local government regarding the
laws in your area)
TNR Results In:
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Healthy, but gradually diminishing cat colonies
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Less cats being euthanized in shelters
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An immediate reduction in complaints about behaviors associated
with unsterilized cats, including spraying, fighting, roaming and
breeding
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Fewer rodents in your neighborhood
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Substantial budgetary savings -- resources previously spent responding
to complaints and trapping, sheltering and euthanizing cats can
be reallocated to more aggressive adoption and outreach programs
Thanks to our friends at Alley Cat Allies
for comprehensive information on TNR.
For additional guidance and
instructions on how to conduct the
TNR process,
please call PAWS Chicago at 773-475-9425.
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