Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

Clarksville Cats Across the River is an entirely volunteer family organization operated by Ken and Maggie Bradford.

Our mission is two-fold: ●

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To reduce the number of unwanted and unadopted feral cats in our neighborhoods in Clarksville, TN. To help educate cat caretakers and provide low cost to no cost spay/neuter vouchers to those who cannot afford the cost.

It is important to remove feral cats from “pest” status that many put them in and promote an ethical, nonlethal way to deal with the overpopulation of outdoor cats in our Clarksville neighborhoods.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

It takes a community to help free roaming/feral cats. Let's do something about it humanely!

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

TNR is a three-step process.

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

Step # 1 - Trap The first step is to humanely trap the feral or homeless cat.

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

CAUTION: During breeding and kitten season, indiscriminate trapping can remove a nursing mom from her kittens who will die without her. It is best if you know the cats that you are trapping (whether one could have recently delivered), and be sure to ask the vet to advise you if the cat is lactating.

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

Traps can be purchased at some hardware stores or borrowed from many cat rescue organizations.

If a trap is purchased, one with a removable back door is recommended– although any humane trap can be used.

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

Step # 2 - Neuter The second step is to take the trapped cat to a veterinarian or clinic to be neutered, vaccinated, and ear tipped (a universal symbol indicating they have been neutered).

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

Step # 2 – Neuter (Cont'd) It is most important that it be pre-planned and that you do not trap until a clinic expects you and you have a scheduled appointment to bring the cat in.

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

Step # 3 – Recovery & Return The third step is to recover (at least 12 hrs for a male and 24 hours for a female) after surgery, preferably in a partially covered cage. Then return the cat to its original outdoor home, if they do not require further medical attention.

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

Step # 3 – Recovery & Return (Cont'd) Cats usually need to be held for 24 hours after surgery, depending on recovery speed.

Male cats and often females 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. In some cases, females may need 48 hours of recovery, depending on their specific circumstances. You may return nursing mothers as soon as possible, once they completely regain consciousness so they can get back to their kittens.

Source: Alley Cat Allies

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

Feral cats are not homeless pets. They are at home outdoors.

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

They are usually safest where they are and that is why the return factor in TNR is so important.

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

Removing them from their outdoor homes only creates a vacuum into which new cats will move in and continue to reproduce.

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

Cats sterilized through TNR will protect their territory and keep new cats from entering the territory—as well as putting a stop to the birth cycle.

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Understanding the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Process

It is the only humane way to manage outdoor cats and to get a handle on pet overpopulation.

The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

We Need Your Help!

We need your financial support in order to even make a dent in the Clarksville cat overpopulation. Your donations help us purchase spay/neuter vouchers to subsidize the cost of altering stray, feral, and domesticated cats whose caretakers can't afford the cost.

Together we can provide the necessary education and services to make our Clarksville neighborhoods better and improve the lives of cats who do not have a forever home.

You can make a convenient donation through PayPal. It is not necessary that you have a PayPal account.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE The primary goal of Clarksville Cats Across the River is to humanely address the problem of cat overpopulation and end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities through sterilization of stray and feral cats.

Our Vision Our vision is to end the suffering of cats that are abandoned and homeless in our communities by rescuing, spaying and neutering, providing needed medical care, and helping to find every adoptable cat a loving, permanent home. We also strive to provide a better life for feral cats through sterilization, and by feeding and monitoring feral colonies.

Our Strategic Goals ●

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Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) of feral cats to reduce overpopulation and prevent the births of thousands of unwanted and homeless kittens.

Find permanent homes for adoptable rescued cats Promote programs that are mutually beneficial for cats and the community, including Trap-Neuter-Return and accessible, affordable spay and neuter services.

Develop practices for the humane care of outdoor cats and provide materials, training, and advice on these practices to those providing care to stray and feral cats in our communities.

Clarksville Cats Across the River 1880 Garwood Dr. Clarksville, TN 37040 E-mail: feralcats@charter.net Website: https://clarksvillecatsacrosstheriver.wordpress.com

Thank you for your support and for helping improve the lives of Clarksville feral cats!