TNR is the method of humanely trapping feral cats, having them spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies, and then returning them to their colony to live out their lives. We practices SNR which stands for Spay-Neuter-Return.  We actively go into the community to trap feral cats, Spay/Neuter adults, notch their ear and then release those feral cats back into the environment/neighborhood that they call home.  TNR / SNR has been shown to be the least costly, as well as the most efficient and humane way of stabilizing feral cat populations.

How Does TNR/SNR Help Feral Cats?

Through TNR/SNR, feral cats can live out their lives without adding to the homeless cat population. “It is very important to have all feral cats spayed/neutered because it is the only 100-percent effective way to prevent unwanted kittens,” says Aimee Christian, ASPCA Vice President of Spay/Neuter Operations. “Feral cats are prolific reproducers.”

Furthermore, by stabilizing the population, cats will naturally have more space, shelter and food, and fewer risks of disease. After being spayed or neutered, cats living in colonies tend to gain weight and live healthier lives. Spayed cats are less likely to develop breast cancer and will not be at risk for ovarian or uterine cancer, while neutered males will not get testicular cancer. By neutering male cats, you also reduce the risk of injury and infection, since intact males have a natural instinct to fight with other cats. Spaying also means female cats do not go into heat. That means they attract fewer tom cats to the area, reducing fighting. If cats are sterilized and live in a colony that has a caretaker, they may live more than 10 years.

TNR/SNR Community Benefits

TNR/SNR helps the community by stabilizing the population of the feral colony and, over time, reducing it. At the same time, nuisance behaviors such as spraying, excessive noisemaking and fighting are largely eliminated, and no more kittens are born. Yet, the benefit of natural rodent control is continued.

All animals rescued by Joanne’s Furry Friends are seen by veterinarians who work directly with our organization. We resort to euthanasia only in cases of extreme suffering or when a contagious fatal disease is present. We rely on the recommendation of a veterinarian in such cases.