TNR is the acronym for Trap Neuter Return, a comprehensive management strategy for humanely reducing populations of free-roaming domestic felines. TNR generally includes: assessment of colonies; humane trapping, maintenance with food, fresh water, and cover; and monitoring to assure that newcomers are altered immediately.

While the cat is sedated following spay/neuter surgery, personnel snip about a quarter-inch from his or her left ear to identify the animal as a humanely managed free-roaming cat who has been altered and rabies vaccinated.

Domestic felines have been with humans for at least 10,000 years. Europeans brought domestic cats to North America as partners in rodent control. As human populations expanded and spread, so did those of domestic felines. Today, free-roaming domestic cats are found everywhere, from city streets to rural back roads. These populations originally resulted from pets who were not spayed or neutered and their progeny. Today more than 85 percent of pet cats are altered while only 2 percent of free-roaming cats are altered – so the vast majority of free-roaming cats come from other free-roaming cats who live behind restaurants and shopping malls, on industrial campuses, and in our urban and suburban neighborhoods.

All ferals are free-roaming cats but not all free-roaming cats are ferals. To become truly feral (rather than feral- acting) takes multiple generations, without close contact with humans, for this domestic species to revert to a “wild” lifestyle. Most free-roaming cats in our region are not feral but are loosely “owned” outdoor pets such as barn cats or neighborhood cats, abandoned or lost indoor former pets, and their progeny. Because even a feral cat can become tame, the relative status of individual cats can change throughout their lifetimes. This graphic from The Feral Cat Project of Washington State shows how that works:

While risky, just like everyone else’s life, the life for a free-roaming cat doesn’t necessarily have to be a short and harsh one. Various studies have shown that humanely managed free-roaming cats can live at least as long as seven years and, in our experience, many animals live much longer. Other studies and observations have shown that free-roaming cats evidence overall health comparable to that of owned animals. Provided they are spayed or neutered and provided with food, water and cover, free-roaming domestic cats can live a decent natural life. Kittens are at the most risk of injury and illness, and experts estimate that between 60-75 percent of them die before reaching a year of age. In addition to improving the lives of adults, Trap Neuter Return prevents kittens from being born to suffer and die in these numbers.

Scientific studies and opinions indicate that a female cat can have two litters a year averaging three kittens per litter and that reproductive cycles are associated with seasonal changes in sunlight. In our experience, although there may be as many as three reproductive cycles per year, few if any cats bear three litters. The physical stress presented by estrus, pregnancy, birth, and rearing of young probably prevents most free-roaming cats from producing more than two litters each year.

Sadly, until we can dramatically reduce their numbers, there are far more cats and kittens than space in shelters and rescues to house them or indoor homes available for them. In addition, as long as food is present (including dumpsters and other garbage receptacles), cats from expanding colonies nearby spread into the available space.

Free-roaming cats’ well-being depends on familiarity with their environment – where they eat and safely sleep, other residents and their patterns, and knowledge of potential threats. Creating this familiarity in a new location is a timely process that is not always successful and if their territory remains largely intact, new cats will simply move in to replace them. In addition, as with indoor homes, far fewer opportunities for relocation exist than cats to fill them.

Even without regard to the ethical considerations, trapping and killing simply doesn’t work – the then president of the National Animal Control Association eloquently referred to this approach in a 2008 Animal Sheltering article as “bailing the ocean with a thimble.” In virtually all settings, cats can reproduce far faster than efforts to eradicate them and cats from nearby colonies move into the open territory. Additionally, members of the public frequently sabotage eradication efforts and the high cost of trapping and killing exceeds the community’s will to fund it.

Some free-roaming domestic cats, including indoor-outdoor pets, will kill wildlife. In the absence of sufficient and regular food, free-roaming cats generally kill wildlife only in order to survive or teach their young how to survive. Their success in this regard has been grossly overestimated by some well-meaning wildlife advocates. In our experience, few cats can survive by hunting wildlife though they can contribute to rodent control in some settings. Nonetheless, by reducing the population of free-roaming cats, we can reduce this stress on other species far more likely to be far greater stressed by the human species and its effects on the environment.

More than 90 percent of all rabid animals reported to Centers for Disease Control each year are wildlife, along the eastern United States primarily raccoons. From 2001 to early 2011, only 29 cases of rabies in humans were reported to the CDC. The last reported case of rabies in a human in Pennsylvania was in 1984. Rabies vaccination is a key of TNR and consequently, the more cats we manage via TNR, the more we vaccinate against rabies and the less likely the highly unlikely scenario of cat-to-human transmission becomes.

Nobody's cats are everybody's cats -- the large and increasing population of free-roaming cats in our region affects everyone. Your taxes pay for shelter and animal-control contracts and services. The vast majority of animals handled through these means are free-roaming cats. Why not help prevent them from being born to be managed so that those precious tax dollars can be directed elsewhere? Free-roaming cats in your neighborhood also have other effects -- called "nuisance behavior" -- which, aside from being unpleasant, often results in neighborhood disputes that require intervention by police and health officers. Trap Neuter Return dramatically reduces this behavior since most of it is directly related to hunger and reproduction.

The equation here is simple: 1+1 = 8 every year, year after year. Two cats together can produce two litters of at least four kittens each litter! Unaltered male free-roaming cats are part of the reproductive process -- and although they may not take up permanent residence in your neighborhood, they are always on the look out for a fertile female. (Females are fertile at only five months of age.) In addition, unaltered males live a tough life, roaming long distances and fighting over territory with other males, and they engage in all the "nuisance behavior" that causes issues with humans -- marking their territory with very strongly scented urine and engaging in noisy conflicts with other unaltered males.

Both male and female free-roaming kittens can be altered safely at three months of age (and about three pounds in weight). They can also receive a rabies vaccine at that age. With less body fat than adults (in which anesthesia can be stored), kittens recover more quickly from the affects of anesthesia. In addition, since they never experience reproductive maturity, these animals can avoid a great many of the negative reproductive health effects such as deadly uterine or urinary tract infections as well as live longer and healthier lives because they aren't investing all of their energy in reproducing.

Altering cats who are pregnant, in estrus or lactating is perfectly safe for them. Mother cats who are lactating and returned quickly to their litters will continue to lactate as long as their kittens are nursing. Although terminating pregnancies may seem harsh, remember that 60-75 percent of kittens who are born will die before reaching a year of age. This includes many kittens surrendered to shelters or animal control agencies who are killed for no reason other than that there is no space for them. It is far kinder to prevent them from being born to suffer and die -- or survive to compete for the few good homes that are available.

The National Animal Control Association The Humane Society of the United States The ASPCA The American Association of Feline Practitioners The American Animal Hospital Association The Association of Shelter Veterinarians Alley Cat Allies PetSmart Charities Best Friends Animal Society Hundreds of state, regional, and local government agencies and animal welfare organizations all around the country. Notable examples include: NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, NJ Governor's Task Force on Animal Welfare, Governor Jon Corzine's Environmental Policy Transition Team, The Mayor's Alliance for NYC Animals, and the Richmond, VA SPCA Trap Neuter Return: Fixing Feral Cat Overpopulation Presented By: The Humane Society

In early 2007, a professional survey research company conducted a representative telephone survey of Ohio residents. 77% agreed that TNR program are a good way to manage free-roaming cats. Harris Interactive, of Harris Poll fame, surveyed a nationally representative sample of over 1200 adults in mid-2007. The following results were gathered: If you saw a stray cat in your community and could only choose between two courses of action -- leaving the cat where it is outside or having the cat caught and put down -- which would you consider to be the more humane option for the cat? 81% chose leaving the cat outside. If you knew that the stray cat you saw would die in two years because it got hit by a car, which would you consider the most human option? 72% chose leaving the cat outside vs. 21% that chose putting the cat down.

Evaluation of the Effect of a Long-Term TNR and Adoption Program on a Free-Roaming Cat Population - AVMA Journals Characteristics of Free-Roaming Cats Evaluated in a TNR Program - AVMA Journals Analysis of the Impact of TNR Programs on Populations of Feral Cats - AVMA Journals Population Characteristics of Feral Cats Admitted to Seven TNR Programs in the U.S. - Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Analyzing Approaches to Feral Cat Management: One Size Does Not Fit All - AVMA Journals Junk Science Gets Cats Killed and The Wisconsin Study: Bad Science Costs Cats' Lives - Alley Cat Allies A Long-Term Lens: Cumulative Impacts of Free-Roaming Cat Management Strategy and Intensity on Preventable Cat Mortalities More proof that TNR works -- preventing kitten death while reducing population size! This study determined that "over a 10-year period, free-roaming cat populations managed using high-intensity Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) experienced over 30 times fewer preventable cat deaths compared to taking no action, while reducing cat populations."

Using Trap Neuter Return (TNR), businesses in a variety of settings large and small can sustainably manage and reduce populations of community cats. Examples of settings that benefit from this approach include industrial parks, apartment and condominium complexes, and mobile home communities. Attempts to control the population by removing cats, in addition to being expensive and highly regulated by Pennsylvania state law protecting domestic species, prove fruitless as remaining animals more than fill the void in a short period of time. Likewise, punitive measures such as no-feed regulations do not work as compassionate individuals will continue feeding, usually at night, which further complicates matters by attracting wildlife. If you would just like to be educated on the TNR strategy and start implementing the strategy for your business, we’d be happy to meet with you. To schedule a meeting, seminar, or to invite us to speak at your meeting, please contact us at contact@nobodyscats.org.

Organizations & Municipalities that offer Spay/Neuter Resources for TNR (Revised November 2024)

Alley Cat Allies Shelter Gallery Outdoor Cat Shelter Tips Rich's Styrofoam Shelter Tutorial Marcy's Easy-to-Assemble Outdoor Shelter Keith & Knickknack's Self-Heating Winter Shelter Tutorial Cole & Marmalade Winter Shelter How to Build an Outdoor Litter Box How to Ant-Proof Feeding Stations

Staging Tips Humane Trapping Tips Pre-Baiting Tips Winter Trapping Tips Humane Traps for Loan or Purchase: Angel Pet Services Humane box and drop traps on loan. Text 717-580-1879 Havahart 855-5-HAVAHART Various humane traps, including feral cat kit (Model 1099) Safeguard 860-844-0101 Wildlife Control Supplies (Professional Series with Sliding Rear Door, Model 54130) Tomahawk 1-800-272-8727 TNR traps and accessories including kits, box and drop traps, dividers, transfer cages, and covers.

Trapping Moms and Kittens: Feral Cat Focus: Humane Trapping Kittens & Moms Alley Cat Allies: Trapping Mom and Kittens Managing Moms and Kittens: Feral Cat Focus: Colony Management - Feral Cat Set-Up for Long-Term Fosters Fix Nation: Momma Mia! 7 Important Tips When Caring for Momma Cats and Kittens

Humane Deterrents to Cat Problems Deterrent Products List Ensuring a Harmonious Relationship with Our Neighborhood Feline Colonies

Ensuring a Harmonious Relationship with Our Neighborhood Feline Colonies Organizations that support TNR Alley Cat Allies THE premiere organization advocating for and supporting TNR with a website full of useful and practical information, affordable printed materials, and other resources. Neighborhood Cats An New York City based organization that is widely considered to be a leading benchmark for how to make TNR work in the community. Pet Safety Guide

Trap Neuter Return: Fixing Feral Cat Overpopulation Presented by: The Humane Society Many municipalities throughout southcentral Pennsylvania are using Trap Neuter Return (TNR) to manage and reduce populations of community cats by creating local initiatives that galvanize local resources. Initiatives range from the county level in Adams and Lebanon counties, to large municipalities such as Silver Spring Township in Cumberland County and Lower Paxton Township in Dauphin County and smaller municipalities such as Cornwall Borough in Lebanon County and Middletown Borough in Dauphin County. Nobody's Cats can help with mentoring, free educational seminars and materials, supporting collaborative efforts, and other resources. The TNR movement is growing leaps and bounds as residents and local governments see its potential. It is on a trajectory to become the predominant method of community cat population control. If you are interested in creating a local community cats initiative, we’d be happy to help you get started. To schedule a meeting, seminar, or to invite us to speak at your meeting, please contact us at contact@nobodyscats.org

Managing Community Cats: A Guide for Municipal Leaders, The Humane Society of the United States Save Lives with Feral Freedom: A Guide to the Feral Freedom Program A step-by-step guide for implemented a community-wide TNR program written by First Coast No More Homeless Pets director and founder Rick DuCharme with help from Best Friends Animal Society. Ordinance Drafting Guidelines - Alley Cat Allies Feeding Ban Position Statement - Alley Cat Allies TNR Overview - PetSmart Charities TNR Ordinances By State - Neighborhood Cats

Cruelty against domestic cats is against the law in Pennsylvania. The very best thing you can do to help fight and prevent cruelty is to report it. Reporting cruelty requires courage and persistence but do not be reluctant to act! Pennsylvania state law protects domestic cats in addition to other species. Killing, maiming or disfiguring a domestic feline is against the law under the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (PA ST 18 Pa. CSA § 5531-5549). Remember that, although your emotions churn in response to witnessing or suspecting an act of cruelty, calm and deliberate behavior is the best way to move forward and is more likely to result in concrete action.

Many areas of our region do not have a designated agency for investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty cases. Local police or sheriff departments frequently dismiss those reporting cruelty against free-roaming cats even though it may well be their legal responsibility to investigate these cases. If you call the police or sheriff to report cruelty and they do not take your report seriously, remind them that: Animal cruelty is a crime in the state of Pennsylvania; Repeat offenses are the rule not an exception; There is an established connection between animal cruelty and other violent behavior; and In many cases when police investigate animal cruelty they also uncover human-related crimes such as domestic abuse, child neglect, illegal drug trade, and other dangerous situations. Clearly communicate that you expect the authority to investigate this crime as you would expect them to investigate any other crime and that if the local authorities do not respond, you intend to report their inaction to local government officials. In our 15-county region there are various humane officers charged with investigating animal cruelty. If you witness animal cruelty in progress, do not delay. CALL 911. The dispatcher will log your report and determine who should respond. Do not attempt to deal with the crime yourself. In Adams County, report animal cruelty to local police enforcement. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In Cumberland County, report animal cruelty to the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area, by calling the Cruelty Department at 717-564-3320, extension 104; or the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance (CPAA) by calling 223-322-7116. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In Dauphin County, report animal cruelty to the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area, by calling the Cruelty Department at 717-564-3320, extension 104; or the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance (CPAA) by calling 223-322-7116. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In Franklin County, report animal cruelty to Antietam Humane Society (Waynesboro) by calling 717-762-9091; or Justice Rescue Humane Society by calling 215-942-6363. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In Fulton County, report animal cruelty to local police enforcement. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In Huntingdon County, report animal cruelty to local police enforcement; or the Pennsylvania State Police at 814-627-3161. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In Juniata County, report animal cruelty to the Pennsylvania SPCA cruelty officer by calling 866-601-7722. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In Lancaster County, report animal cruelty to the Lancaster County SPCA by calling 717-917-6979; the Pennsylvania SPCA cruelty officer by calling 866-601-7722; Helping Hands for Animals by calling 717-687-7297; or the Organization for Responsible Care of Animals by calling 717-397-8922. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In Lebanon County, report animal cruelty to the Pennsylvania SPCA cruelty officer by calling 866-601-7722. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In Mifflin County, report animal cruelty to the Pennsylvania SPCA cruelty officer by calling 866-601-7722. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In Northumberland County, report animal cruelty to the Pennsylvania SPCA cruelty officer by calling 866-601-7722. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In Perry County, report animal cruelty to the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area, by calling the Cruelty Department at 717-564-3320, extension 104; or the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance (CPAA) by calling 223-322-7116. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In Schuylkill County, report animal cruelty to the Tamaqua Area Animal Rescue by calling 570-617-1706; the Pennsylvania SPCA by calling 866-601-7722; or the Hillside SPCA 570-622-7769 . If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In Snyder County, report animal cruelty to the Pennsylvania SPCA cruelty officer by calling 866-601-7722. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. In York County, report cruelty to the York County SPCA Humane Officer at 717-764-6109. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court.

You can help humane and other police officers investigate crime. The more information and data you can provide, the more effectively they can investigate the crime. Document the location of the crime such as the street address including the house number and, if you know it, the name of the person committing the crime. If you cannot provide a specific address, provide information about cross streets or other details. Provide a concise, factual statement of what you observed, giving dates and approximate times. It helps to put your statement in writing in advance if you can. It also helps to provide a dated photo or video of the situation and to gather similar reports from other witnesses. Always keep a careful record of exactly whom you contacted, the date of the contacts, and the content and outcome of any discussions. Also keep copies of all materials you provide to any agency. Follow up if you don’t receive a response within a reasonable amount of time. Remember that all of these agencies are short-staffed and in many cases cover large geographic areas, and you may not receive an immediate response. If you feel the case is not being properly investigated, present your information to the humane officer’s supervisor and/or local officials such as your local supervisor or county commissioner.

SPAY/NEUTER RESOURCES FOR PETS (PDF VERSION) Revised Feb. 2025 All information is subject to change by provider or organization. Adams County SPCA Services provided in Gettysburg for residents of Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and York counties only. Low-cost spay/neuter services for cats and dogs. Services for cats, males for $80 and females for $120. Services for dogs, males for $225 (5-40lbs) and $275 (41-60lbs); females for $275 (5-40 lbs.) and $325 (40-60 lbs.) Additional charges may apply for animals in heat, pregnant, or with undescended testicles. Other services also available such as rabies vaccines, microchipping, ear cleaning, and nail trimming. Call 717-334-8876 ext. 0 or visit their website. Allegheny Spay & Neuter ClinicServices provided in Woodland and Centre Hall. This clinic also partners with various other organizations including Centre County PAWS and Happy Paws Happy Homes. Go to their websites for more information. Spay Neuter Clinics: Services for dogs, dog neuter $145 (under 65 lbs.), $155 (over 65 lbs.); dog spay $160 (under 65 lbs.), $170 (over 65 lbs.). Services for cats, neuter $85, spay $120. Call 814-857-5280 (Woodland) 814-364-1630 (Centre Hall) or go to the website for all information and requirements. Animal Rescue Inc. Services provided in New Freedom Feline Spay/Neuter Program: a low-cost spay/neuter clinic open to the public (no income or location limitation) for female and male cats only at $30 per cat. Additional charges may apply. Vaccines and other treatments are available for an additional charge. Email spayneuter@animalrescueinc.org or go to website to schedule an appointment. Greys and Strays Services provided in Jonestown. Spay/Neuter services available for cats only. Go to their website for more information. Helping Hands for Animals Services provided in Lancaster. Services for cats only. $40 spay or neuter with ear tip. Include rabies, feline distemper, flea/tick preventative, and ear tip.. Call 717-687-7297 for more information and appointments for spay/neuter clinics. The Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area Services provided in Harrisburg for Dauphin, Perry, and Cumberland county residents only. Contact their Veterinary Resource Center to schedule an appointment at 717-702-7330. Humane Pennsylvania Services provided in Reading and Lancaster. Spay/Neuter Clinic: Cat Spay $213, Cat Neuter $134, Dog Spay (under 40 lbs) $294 Dog Neuter $238-$345 depending on weight of dog. All spays/neuters include rabies vaccine, distemper vaccine, nail trim, microchip, and flea/tick/dewormer treatment. Contact spay@humanepa.org for more information. No Nonsense Neutering Services provided in Allentown, Reading, and Plains. Spay/ Neuter Clinic: Services for cats, spay $90, neuter $85 Services for dogs, neuter for dogs under 60 lbs in weight, $150, spay for dogs under 60 lbs in weight, $195. Additional for dogs: $25 for 61-100 lbs. in weight, $50 for 101-125 lbs. in weight, $75 for 126-150 lbs. in weight, $125 for more than 176 lbs in weight. Go to website or call 1-866-820-2510 for more information, including clinic locations. PAWS Services provided throughout south central Pa. Visit their website or Call 717-957-8122 for more information Pennsylvania SPCAServices provided in Danville & Philadelphia only at this time. Comprehensive service: Spay or neuter, rabies and distemper vaccinations, flea/tick prevention treatment, microchip, e-collar and nail trim. Visit website for prices for each location. Pet Pantry of Lancaster County Services provided in Lancaster. Fix Lancaster Spay Neuter Program: Spay/neuter services for cats and dogs. Vaccinations and other services also provided at the time of surgery. Female cats, $149; male cats, $126. Male dogs: under 20 lbs., $270, 21-40 lbs., $290, 41-60 lbs. $310, 61-80 lbs. $330. Female dogs: under 20 lbs. $295, 21-40 lbs. $315, 41-60 lbs. $335, 61-80 lbs., $355. Go to their website or call 717-983-8878 for more information. SNAP (Spay Neuter Assistance Program) Services provided throughout south central Pa. SNAP offers low-cost spay/neuter services for cats and dogs at various locations in our region. Go to its website at www.snapofpa.org or call 717-732-5377 for details. SUN Pets Services provided for Snyder, Northumberland and Union residents -Voucher-based Spay Neuter Program: Support based upon household gross income, with services provided at various participating veterinary clinics with application required. Go to website or call 570-523-1135 for more information and list of additional resources. -Spay/Neuter Bus Program: Female Dogs, $150, Male Dogs, $125, Female Cats $100, Male Cats, $75 For more information contact spayneuterbus@gmail.com or call us at 570-523-1135 Treehorse Veterinary Servicesprovided in Biglerville, PA. Low Cost Spay/Neuter services available to cats only. Females $105, Males $85. Other services like vaccines and dewormer available at an additional cost. Go to their website for more information. Call 717-352-8584 to book an appointment. York County SPCA Services provided in York, PA. Low-Cost Spay Neuter Program: Spay/neuter services for cats and dogs. Female cats, $140; male cats, $110. Male dogs: 0-50lbs. $190; 51-100 lbs. $200; 101+ lbs. $215. Female dogs: 0-50lbs. $215; 51-100 lbs. $280; 101+ lbs. $315. Call 717-764-6109 to schedule an appointment or go to website for on-line appointment application. Appointments must be pre-paid.