If you’re like many others, you’ve probably seen a cat outdoors and wondered what to do. If the cat lets you approach and pet them, then you should try to find the owner. However, if the cat is feral (or not socialized to humans) that might not be an option. For these cats, who we call Community Cats, we recommend a process called Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return, commonly referred to as “TNVR.”. You may also hear this process called “TNR” for Trap-Neuter-Return.

Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return, is the most humane and effective method known for managing feral and stray cats and reducing their numbers. The cats, who typically live together in a group called a colony, are humanely trapped and brought to a veterinary or spay/neuter clinic. Healthy cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies, and ear-tipped. After they’ve recovered from their surgeries, the cats are returned back to their original territory.

Because the cats can no longer reproduce, the colony has the potential to decline in size over time. Spaying and neutering also greatly reduces nuisance behaviors such as fighting, yowling, and creating other noises associated with mating. In addition, the cats themselves are healthier and less likely to spread feline diseases.

Spaying and Neutering Community Cats

Mountain View Humane, our low cost/high quality spay/neuter clinic, offers a special community cat package and walk-in community cat appointments. You can find out more info here: https://www.mvhclinic.org/feral-cat-package/

Learn more about TNVR

Check out these great resources to learn more about Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return: