TNR Program

Cats Multiply!

Cats don’t add, they multiply and that is why TNR (Trap-neuter-release) is at the center of what we do!  A cat can fall pregnant at the young age of 4 months and her 4-6 offspring’s will repeat this cycle.  You can do the math!   In 7 years, one pair of unfixed cats and their offspring can produce more than 300 000 kittens!

What Does TNR Mean

Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) is a humane and effective approach to feral cat overpopulation. Grounded in science, it provides many benefits for the cats as well as the community. It is exactly what it sounds like: Cats are humanely trapped and taken to a veterinarian to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated. After recovery, the cats are returned to their home – their colony – outdoors. Kittens and cats who are friendly and socialized with people may be adopted into homes.  Other methods like: catch-and-kill, relocation and sanctuaries does not work.  It usually creates ”the vacuum effect”, which means these cats will be replaced by other colonies or the existing cats will breed to capacity. 

TRAP

NEUTER

RELEASE

Tipped Ears:Badge of Honor!

During the spay/neuter process the ear is tipped humanely, so we can recognize the cats.  A tipped ear is a worldwide accepted way to signify that a cat has been spayed/neutered and is looked after.

 

Why Trap-Neuter-Release?

  • Stabilizes feral cat colonies
  • Ends reproduction, no new kittens
  • No vacuum effect
  • Relieves cats of the constant stresses of mating/pregnancy
  • Mating behaviours cease (roaming, yowling,spraying & fighting)
  • Colony size diminish
  • Improves cat’s lives
  • Protects cat’s lives
  • Puts an end to the futile catch & kill approach
  • Serves animals & community
  • Efficient, compassionate & socially-responsible approach
  • Cat’s physical health improves
  • Risk of illness and cancers decrease
  • Sick cats can be treated & they are vaccinated against Rabies
  • Cats become better neighbours because they become quieter
  • Creates opportunities for outreach, education & cooperation
  • Other methods just don’t work

           

The Vacuum Effect is a natural & scientifically-documented phenomenon which refers to, whenever cats are removed, new cats move in, or the surviving cats left behind, breed to capacity.