TNR (Trap, Neuter Return) is an effective and humane approach to keeping the outdoor cat population (community cats) healthy while addressing concerns of overpopulation and nuisance complaints. Alley Cat Allies formed in 1990 to bring TNR to the United States after seeing the success of the program in the United Kingdom. Historically, feral cats were trapped and brought to municipal shelters where most of these feral cats would be euthanized because they were not adoptable. This method also did not solve the problem because of something called the “vacuum effect.” The vacuum effect is a phenomenon that occurs when a portion of an animal population is removed from its home range causing a temporary population dip. The empty habitat then attracts other members of the same species from neighboring areas, who move in to take advantage of the same resources, creating and endless cycle of trapping and killing, as the population will rebound each time cats are removed. By employing TNR, the cycle is stopped and the cats and the community can have a more peaceful coexistence.

When TNR is undertaken, a colony of cats are trapped and brought to veterinarians to be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, ear tipped and returned to the same place where they were trapped. Ear tipping allows colony managers to visualize from afar whether a cat has been spayed or neutered without having to re-trap and sedate the animal for closer inspection. TNR eliminates the unwanted behaviors of yowling, fighting and spraying. It also protects the public by providing vaccination against rabies. The colony can then be managed without the never-ending cycle of reproduction. The cats are healthier and communities happier.

In New York, Bideawee’s Feral Cat Initiative provides free TNR certification for those that want to learn about trapping. Alley Cat Allies also has more information on TNR which we encourage you to read.

There are rescue groups and individuals on Long Island that do TNR for individuals who need help with a colony and many shelters/rescues will loan out traps (usually with a refundable deposit).

PHLF provides free spay/neuter vouchers for Nassau County residents through our Sweetie’s Spay (and neuter) Squad program to our TNR community through participating veterinarians.