How to trap
community cats

TNR stands for trap-neuter-return and is the only effective method of controlling the free-roaming unowned community cat population. At first glance trapping may seem intimidating, with the specialized equipment and the elusive habits of community cats, but in reality trapping cats can be as simple as preparing ahead of time, following the cats’ lead, and returning cats to their outdoor homes.

TNR Basics

Before you trap

  • Familiarize yourself with the TNR process and plan your trapping project in advance. Use this guide and the resources linked in it to help.

  • Coordinate with any additional caretakers who may be feeding the cats. It is important to stop feeding 24 hours in advance of trapping. Hungry cats are much more likely to go into traps!

  • Schedule spay/neuter appointments in advance of trapping. Do not trap without a scheduled appointment or plan. Cats get more savvy each time they are trapped so you never want to prematurely release or hold a cat for an excessive amount of time.

  • Determine a safe, temperature-controlled location to hold the cats before and after surgery. Bathrooms, garages, basements, and spare rooms are good options.

  • Plan to trap around mealtime the day before the scheduled appointment.

Trapping day

  • Prepare traps by lining the bottom with newspaper, cardboard, or puppy pads. Be careful to not block the trigger plate or impede the trap door from closing.

  • Choose a bait that is high value, like canned tuna or wet food. The bait should be placed behind the trigger plate and the back door (if equipped) should be secured with a zip-tie.

  • Wait and watch the traps from a safe distance. If the cats sees you near the traps they may not go in.

  • Do not leave traps unattended in public spaces.

  • Once the cat is trapped immediately cover with a towel or light blanket. Cats may throw themselves around in the trap which could lead to injury or them escaping.

  • Secure the trap with zip ties on both the front and back doors.

  • Hold the cat overnight in a safe, quiet, and temperature-controlled location. Never leave cats in traps outside overnight.

Post-surgery

  • Keep the cats in covered traps at all time. Cats will recover in the trap overnight after surgery.

  • You may offer a small meal with a small amount of water mixed in, but the cat may not eat if they are stressed. Do not attempt to place food in the trap if you are not able to do so safely (without risk of getting injured or the cat escaping).

Returning the cat

  • Unless told differently by the clinic, cats should be released the morning after surgery. Before releasing the cat, make sure the cat is awake, alert, and sitting up. Do not hold cats for more than 48 hours after surgery.

  • Cats must be released to the location where they were trapped. Relocating or releasing cats to a location they are unfamiliar with is dangerous and could cause them to be injured, killed, or starve.

  • Plan to continue trapping all of the cats at the colony. One unaltered female can undo all of your work in a short amount of time.