Getting Started

Overview of a Trap-Neuter-Return Project

You've made the decision - you're going to get the community cats in your life fixed! Now what? Grab a trap and get started? That's a mistake often made. Doing a TNR project well requires planning and preparation. Taking the time to think it out first will help you avoid the pitfalls that can follow when you have a feral cat sitting in a trap and aren't sure what to do next. Here are the seven basic steps to follow:

Step 1 - know your stuff

Working with community cats safely and effectively requires some training. The good news is there's plenty available. Take our online introductory TNR training workshop hosted by the Community Cats Podcast and become certified. Download and read our free Neighborhood Cats TNR Handbook. Or look through the Trapping, Colony Care and Learn More sections of this website. Once you understand the process, you'll have the tools and confidence to do a great job!

Step 2 - work the neighborhood

We call them "community" cats for a reason - they live among us, not off by themselves. Local residents, employees and others encounter the cats daily and their attitudes may range from welcoming to hostile. The more you know about how people interact with the cats and feel about them, the better. Walk around, talk to people, ask about the cats' history and habits, and especially try to find out who's feeding them. Explain what you want to do and why. Recruit volunteers and offer solutions for common issues like keeping cats out of gardens and yards. Gain permission from property owners if you need access. Remember, a cooperative and understanding community will make it much easier for you and the cats, during and after the trapping.

Step 3 - establish a feeding pattern

Once you've identified who is feeding, or if you've taken on that role yourself, get the cats on a regular feeding schedule - same time, same place as consistently as possible. Don't leave food out 24/7. Cats are very habitual creatures and will quickly learn when dinner arrives. This way, when it comes time to catch them, you'll know exactly when and where to set out your traps. After they're on a routine, count the cats and determine if any will require special care like young kittens you want to adopt out or an adult who needs extra medical care. If you'll be trapping during the winter in a cold climate, put out winter shelters if necessary to ensure spayed females with their shaved bellies have a warm place to sleep.

Step 4 - find a holding space

Whether you're mass trapping an entire colony at once or catching one or two at a time, captured cats are held and cared for in their traps. The room or facility they're kept in should be warm (at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit/18 degrees Celsius), dry and secure from other animals and people not involved with the project. A suitable space might include, among others, a garage, basement, shed, barn, warehouse, empty office or store, spare room or bathroom.

Step 5 - arrange for spay/neuter, traps and transportation

Once you know how many cats you're after, schedule the spay/neuter appointments at a local clinic. Reserve or purchase the traps and equipment you'll need. Arrange transportation for picking up and returning traps, bringing cats back and forth from the clinic, and trips to and from the trapping location. Not a bad idea to wrangle a volunteer or two, especially if you'll be trapping a lot of cats.

Step 6 - action!

Now you're ready for the exciting part. The day before trapping begins, so for a period from 24 to 48 hours, withhold all food (but always provide water). The hungrier the cat, the more likely he'll enter a trap. Avoid trapping the day before your clinic date, and start two days before instead - this leaves room for unexpected conditions like bad weather, loud construction noise, etc. Catch as many as you can or have appointments for on Day One, then come back for any remaining on Day Two.

Transport the cats to the clinic on your surgery date, then back to your holding space afterwards. Typically, community cats require an overnight recovery period, sometimes longer if there were any complications or the surgery was unusual. Return the cats to their territory after recovery, and watch them take off when you open the doors!

Step 7 - caretaking

Don't be alarmed if the cats hide for a few days. Not to worry, they'll soon return to their normal routine. The work of TNR then becomes their long-term maintenance - providing regular food and shelter, keeping an eye out for any newcomers and addressing any wrinkles that come up with neighbors. And enjoy knowing you've done what you can to help them lead healthier, safer and happier lives.