1. Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR)
Dr. Diana Newman
Michigan Pet Fund Alliance

2. Michigan Pet Fund Alliance

3. What is Trap, Neuter, Return?
Other Names
Trap, Neuter, Release
Shelter, Neuter, Release (SNR)
Return to Field (RTF)
Break it down!
Trap
Neuter
Return

4. Why to we want to do TNR? Colony level
No more kittens and a gradually falling population
Noise is dramatically reduced
Noxious odors are eliminated
Rodent control is maintained
Remove the pity/sadness factor
Presence of a caretaker
Prevents a new, unaltered colony from forming

5. Why do we want to do TNR? Community Level
Reduction of free-roaming cat population
Lower intake and euthanasia rates
Fewer nuisance complaints
Rabies control
Ability to mobilize volunteers
Cost savings for shelters
Gaining caretakers cooperation
Improved relations with animal control

6. What is a feral cat. What is a stray cat
What is a feral cat? What is a stray cat? What is a free-roaming community cat?
A feral cat is a cat who is not socialized and exhibits some degree of wild behavior. A stray cat, who is now without a home but is socialized. A free-roaming, community cat lives outside typical household situations but are not considered anyone’s pet.

7. Characteristics of Feral Cats
“Feral” is not a biological trait, but a behavioral one.
Fearful of people
Avoids eye contact
Amount of human contact
Age

8. How you are SUPPOSED to get started?
Build good community relations
Set up feeding stations and establish a pattern
Secure a holding space
Schedule spay/neuter and arrange needed equipment
Trap
Spay Day
Recovery and return
Long-term care and monitoring

9. Reality of getting started
Slow
Takes patience
Finding equipment
Getting past…..”just shoot them”
Finding money
Volunteers

10. Trapping Supplies Traps Bait / Can Opener Paper plates
Plastic fork or spoon
Paper towels
Scissors / Masking Tape / Marker
Band Aids
Towels / Cage Covers
Newspapers

11. Trapping Methods Individual One household at a time Mass trapping
Focused, targeted areas
Follow-up

12. Colony Care Feeding Stations “out of sight….out of mind” Consistency
Placement
Water
Food stations
Avoid over-feeding
Clean up!
Don’t feed the wildlife

13. Winter Shelter Buy one! www.feralvilla.com Rubbermaid storage bin
Styrofoam boxes
Cardboard boxes
Tires
Doorway flaps
Insulating material
Close to feeding stations

14. Trapping Equipment
Live traps
Drop Traps
Trap Dividers
Transportation

15. Trapping Special Cases
Friendly Cats
Kittens
Nursing Moms
Pregnant Cats
Raccoons, Skunks, Opossums

16. Trap, Neuter Return Dr. Diana Newman Companion Cats, INC. President
Eaton County Humane Society Director
Michigan Pet Fund Alliance Board Member