TNR is trap - neuter - return (or retain, rescue, relocate). It is where feral (completely unsocialized) cats are caught in order to receive medical care. When caught, they're spayed/neutered so they can no longer reproduce and contribute to overpopulation or suffering. They receive rabies and distemper vaccinations, may be tested for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and are often microchipped when a part of a managed
colony, or just trapper's choice.
A managed colony is one where the cats have a dedicated caretaker. This person makes sure they're fed, they have adequate shelter, and receive what healthcare can be provided to them. Although these cats don't live in a home, they're still very much loved by their caretakers.
So why should you and I bother taking care of these outside cats who no one can even touch? There are a lot of reasons and you don't have to love cats to want to be a part of the solution.
Cutting down on the population (whether you like cats or not!) - this is the proven and humane way to decrease the population. Killing cats is not only illegal, but can also have an impact on the larger ecosystem and not in the way you hoped.
Ending suffering - we fostered a cat (pictured) we knew was no "spring chicken" and she was very pregnant. She had a difficult delivery and one kitten didn't make it. She had an inguinal hernia that required surgical repair and somehow she ended up with nerve damage and a nasty infection. Now the cat is in a loving home but she may never walk without a limp and potential pain again. Another cat, 6+ years in age was caught during a TNR with her 3-week-old kittens. Turns out, she was already pregnant again! At her age and in her health while already nursing three young kittens, she ended up having a miscarriage.
There just aren't enough homes for all of the animals as it is. Consider the economy as well. Collectively, our country is hurting financially. Many animals purchased or adopted during covid-19 shutdowns are being returned or rehomed. While everything was shut down, there were a lot of pregnancies since people couldn't get their animals or ferals in to be fixed. What happens to all these unwanted animals? They either sit in shelters or foster homes for undetermined amounts of time or they're euthanized by some organizations for a lack of space. No, we don't like that option and neither do those shelter workers. We all have to do what we can, even if all we can do is spread awareness. I was shocked at how many people just don't know about these things. You don't know what you don't know.
Controversy: It seems like nothing is without controversy or drama these days. No point in speculating why right now, but we (I) want to discuss a few things right up front here and I know how some people feel very strongly in opposite directions.
Relocation: is a very difficult thing to do successfully so we (trappers) reserve it for special cases. Cats thrive on routine and don't like change so when their world is turned upside down, they understandably try to get back to familiarity. It takes several weeks to months to get a cat a good location then several more weeks or months to get the cat acclimated to that location so they don't wander off and likely die. This option takes a really good home who really wants a barn cat. How many barns do you know without a horde of cats that came on their own or through dumping? Not many I would imagine. Sure, they could relocate to be places other than barns like just a rural residence or suburban home. Perhaps even an urban home if no other option existed for relocation, but we really want them away from roads and neighbors who might harm them or just be unhappy so it takes a lot of planning.
Pregnancy termination: this is a big one. My (author) personal belief is that all life is sacred and I don't even kill insects. However, for the good of an animal, I will choose to spay-abort in some cases. I won't choose to abort a pregnancy unless it is unsafe for the cat to carry to birth in most cases. Will I spay-abort a feral cat who is so early she isn't even really showing? Yes, because I probably won't even know about it. Some people will spay-abort even if the kittens would be viable outside the womb. That is far from my own morals and I won't do it. If you would, I understand. There has to be resources both in space and money. Not many people will foster a feral mom. There's a lot to consider and the answer isn't as black and white as many people hope or think it should be. So am I for it or against it? Neither; I am for carefully considering your options and choosing the best option for you or your organization as well as the animal in question.
Pediatric spay and neuter: From becoming involved in dog sports and work I have come to learn that there is a growing movement not to spay or neuter dogs until the age of two years. For cats, I don't see the need to wait. Why? Because cats can get pregnant at 4 months old and they don't listen to a word we say. They're just babies and pediatric pregnancy is worse that pediatric spay. Pediatric pregnancy - think about your 12-14 year old daughter, granddaughter, etc being pregnant and how hard that would be for her both physically and mentally. Often, the lives of the unborn are uncertain anyway and the cat in question is too. If everyone makes it through, you'd better be prepared to feed those babies every 2 hours around the clock because she likely won't know what to do.
Socialization window: I know some people who will take a feral cat and put it in a house no matter how old it is and try to force it to be friendly or at least co-exist. Why? Because they think every cat deserves a home. I agree, but I don't think it is ethical to force a wild animal to live in your house. Forcing a feral cat to stay in your home is like forcing you to do the scariest thing you can think of "for your own good" - want to let spiders crawl on your face until you get over it? Yes, exposure therapy is a thing, but that's not how it works. So - what is my cut-off? I am not trying to reinvent the wheel here, so I am going to stick to what my guru has to say: 12 weeks. Beyond that and you are either traumatizing the cat or you've got some great resources that don't have many limits.
What about elderly ferals or those with injuries: Here is something I haven't faced too much personally. I can't form an opinion on this yet beyond holding onto some cats who have injuries for just as long as they need. The elderly cats, if I had a sanctuary where I wouldn't have to pester them too much and they'd be safe, I think that might be my choice. Right now, I'm open to suggestions.
Now, is all this to say I think I know best? Absolutely not! I haven't been doing this too terribly long. I know someone who pretty much knew a certain breed of dog at conception and she always said there is more to learn every day and she's in her 60s. I will be continuing to learn throughout my life like everyone else. I'm just a little further in my journey than someone who previously had no idea what TNR meant.
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