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Trap Neuter Return (TNR)

Trap Neuter Return (TNR) is a humane practice of capturing and spaying/ neutering community cats, then returning them to their outdoor home. TNR is the most humane and effective way to help control the free-roaming cat population.

TNR consists of these steps:

TRAP

A caring volunteer (maybe you!) captures the cat in an approved, humane trap and brings it to a nearby spay/neuter clinic.

NEUTER

A veterinarian vaccinates and spays/neuters the cat, then painlessly tips its left ear. This helps identify community cats that have already been spayed/neutered.

RETURN

The volunteer returns the cat to the same location they were trapped. 

Tipping the ear is done while the cat is under anesthesia, so it feels no pain. With the ear tipped, volunteers and residents can easily identify (even from a distance) which community cats have already been spayed or neutered. If you find a cat that looks injured or in a harmful situation, please remove them from harm and transport them to one of our no-kill shelter partners. It’s always a good idea to contact the shelter before bringing the cat in. Contact Cincinnati Animal CARE in Cincinnati or the Humane Society of Greater Dayton in Dayton.
Some community cats are not socialized with people and do not adjust well to life in a shelter or as an adopted pet. They prefer living outdoors in the environment that they’re familiar with, where they know how to find food and shelter. Learn more about the amazing world of community cats and how to help ensure a healthier life for them all.

For help with trapping community cats, contact a local animal shelter. If you live in Greater Cincinnati or the Dayton area, call (513) 644-5600 for more information on shelters that can send a volunteer or loan you a humane trap. Many shelters are overwhelmed and need more volunteers to help with TNR. So please consider volunteering to help! 

TNR consists of these steps:

TRAP

A caring volunteer (maybe you!) captures the cat in an approved, humane trap and brings it to a nearby spay/neuter clinic.

NEUTER

A veterinarian vaccinates and spays/neuters the cat, then painlessly tips its left ear. This helps identify community cats that have already been spayed/neutered.

RETURN

The volunteer returns the cat to the same location they were trapped. 

Tipping the ear is done while the cat is under anesthesia, so it feels no pain. With the ear tipped, volunteers and residents can easily identify (even from a distance) which community cats have already been spayed or neutered. If you find a cat that looks injured or in a harmful situation, please remove them from harm and transport them to one of our no-kill shelter partners. It’s always a good idea to contact the shelter before bringing the cat in. Contact Cincinnati Animal CARE in Cincinnati or the Humane Society of Greater Dayton in Dayton.
Some community cats are not socialized with people and do not adjust well to life in a shelter or as an adopted pet. They prefer living outdoors in the environment that they’re familiar with, where they know how to find food and shelter. Learn more about the amazing world of community cats and how to help ensure a healthier life for them all.

For help with trapping community cats, contact a local animal shelter. If you live in Greater Cincinnati or the Dayton area, call (513) 644-5600 for more information on shelters that can send a volunteer or loan you a humane trap. Many shelters are overwhelmed and need more volunteers to help with TNR. So please consider volunteering to help! 

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