Feral Cat Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program
This program involves visiting colonies of feral cats, trapping them to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated against rabies, and then returning them to their outdoor homes. These colonies are supported by humans who care for their needs, such as providing food and monitoring their well-being
Our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program
Promotes healthy feline communities through careful population control
About the Program
This program helps create controlled cat colonies, reduces unwanted cat overpopulation, and lowers the risk of illness in cats living in unmanageable environments. Each year, Cats Anonymous TNRs an average of 70 – 100 adult breeding cats from feral colonies.
This effort requires a tremendous amount of volunteer time for planning, scouting, trapping, and transporting these cats. It also leads to significant veterinary expenses but we believe it is one of our most valuable endeavours!
You Can Make a Difference
Did you know that one breeding pair of cats can easily produce a colony of 430 offspring within just three years of uncontrolled breeding?
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, Cats Anonymous has been able to spay and neuter an average of 70 cats annually, effectively preventing the birth of approximately 15,120 kittens every year. This incredible impact wouldn’t be possible without your help. Together, we’re making a real difference in reducing cat overpopulation. Thank you for your support!
The Care We Offer
While in our care, the cats will receive the following veterinary services:
• Spay or Neuter
• Vaccinations, including rabies
• Parasite Control
– Ear tipping and microchipping for permanent identification
After their care is complete, the cats are returned to their original colony location, where resident caretakers provide daily food, water, and outdoor shelter to protect them from inclement weather. Kittens under 12 weeks old are assessed and, if not too feral, are placed in foster homes for socialization. Once they’ve made progress, they are transferred to the shelter for further socialization and eventual adoption.
We also offer a maintenance program for all our managed feral colonies, which includes biannual parasite treatments and addressing any medical issues that may arise in the future.
Prioritising the
Cat’s Comfort
We do not offer relocation services for feral cats, as we believe it is not in their best interest.
Feral cats are highly territorial and strongly attached to their home range. We believe the best situation for a feral cat is to remain in its familiar territory, provided it has access to daily food and some form of winter shelter.
In our experience, many relocated feral cats do not stay in their new location. They often feel displaced, and if other cats already reside in the barn or area, they may be rejected or chased away. This leaves them in an unfamiliar environment with no known shelter or food source. For this reason, we believe relocation should only be considered in dire circumstances, where the cat is in immediate danger.
Once spayed or neutered, feral cats typically become less disruptive and are much easier to coexist with. They no longer engage in behaviours that often cause conflicts with humans, such as night howling, fighting, breeding, spraying, or producing endless litters of kittens.
A spayed, neutered, and well-managed feral colony leads to a happier, healthier life for the cats and a more harmonious relationship with the community.
TNR Application Form
If you need assistance with a feral cat, kittens, or a cat colony, please fill out our TNR Program application. We will do our best to assist you. Our program can accommodate up to 100 TNR surgeries per year, so space is limited. Colonies within a 40-50 km radius are given first priority. If we are unable to help, we will provide suggestions for other groups in your area who may be able to assist.
Important: When submitting a TNR application, please include your name and email address. The current form does not automatically collect this information and we will not be able to respond without it. We are working on correcting this issue but in the meantime, please double-check that your name and email are included.
Interested in Learning More or Contributing?
If you’d like to volunteer or donate to support this program, please reach out! Your generosity makes a real difference, and the cats will be grateful for your support.