Why TNR Works
Studies have proven that trap-neuter-release is the single most successful method of stabilizing and maintaining healthy feral cat colonies with the least possible cost to local governments and residents, while providing the best life for the animals themselves.
Spaying/neutering homeless cats:
- Stabilizes the population at manageable levels.
- Eliminates annoying behaviors (fighting, spraying) associated with mating.
- Is humane to the animals and fosters compassion in the neighborhoods
- Is more effective and less costly than repeated attempts at extermination -- costs for repeatedly trapping and killing feral colonies are far higher than promoting stable, non-breeding colonies in the same location.
What happens if you just trap and kill a colony?
First, it's impossible to kill an entire colony. Some will always escape. These, along with new ferals will soon repopulate the area and spraying and fighting will continue. It's called the vacumm effect. Vacated areas are soon filled by other cats who start the breeding process over again. Killing ferals doesn't work.
What happens with TNR?
First, a colony caretaker is found. These are people who visit the colony once or twice a day to provide food and become acquainted with the colony members.
After the cats become accustomed to their caretaker (one or two weeks), live-animal traps are set. This is where SNAP helps. Spaying and neutering an entire colony takes time, energy and money. SNAP members help caretakers with trapping and veterinary costs.
After the surgery, the cat is released back into the colony. After all the cats are spayed or neutered, problem behaviors are greatly reduced. Neutered male cats rarely spray and no longer feel the need to fight for territory and mates. Spayed femal cats are no longer producing 3-4 liters a year.
Caretakers continue providing food and water and keep an eye out for new cats who need spayed or neutered. Over time, the colony will gradually die out.