Lowell Trap-Neuter-Return Coalition

What is T.N.R.?

T.N.R. (Trap - Neuter - Return) is the process whereby feral and stray cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered and vaccinated by a veterinarian and then released back to their original locations after recovering from surgery. In addition, the left ear is cropped or "tipped" indicating that the cat has been sterilized.

Why Does T.N.R. Work?

• Scientific Studies Prove It

  Scientific studies prove that TNR is the most effective and humane way to manage feral cats. Read more on the results of these studies at www.alleycatallies.org ».

• Avoid the Vacuum Effect

  The vacuum effect is the act of other stray/feral cats moving into a vacated colony after the cats of that colony have been removed or re-located. Euthanizing and/or relocation often does not work for this reason, especially in Lowell where the feral population is quite prevalent.

• TNR Improves Cats’ Overall Health and Well Being

  Documented cases have shown that feral cats become healthier and gain weight after TNR. In addition, spaying helps the females to avoid certain reproductive diseases. And since they are vaccinated during the TNR process, fatal diseases such as rabies and distemper are prevented altogether.

• Colony Population Decreases over Time

  Once a colony has been 100% TNR’d, the population of that colony has been shown to decrease over time. However, effective colony management is required in order to quickly spay/neuter and vaccinate any newcomers to the group.

• Benefits to the Community

  TNR programs are not only humane, but they also save the local community and authorities precious time and money that would otherwise be used to trap and euthanize feral cats.

• TNR’d Cats Make Better Neighbors

  Ever notice how feral cats love to emit that lovely, odorous spray? This behavior ends after TNR (except in rare cases) and in addition, fighting over mates is no longer an issue.

The Shelter Project PSA

PAW-parazzi: T.N.R. in the News