TNR (TRAP, NEUTER, RETURN)

For their safety, we do not accept outdoor cats in traps for surgery if it is 35 degrees or below on the day you trap OR it is forecasted to be 35 degrees or below during the 2 – 3 days after surgery. We take the safety of all pets very seriously. If cats with shaved bellies recovering from surgery are put back outside in frigid temperatures, they can die of hypothermia or other complications. A cat's energy should go into recovery after surgery, not trying to stay warm.

The only exception is if you have a safe, heated environment in which the cat can recover for 2 - 3 days after surgery, where it will have access to food and water (i.e., a temperature-controlled garage, barn, basement, etc.).   

To ensure cats have a safe and healthy recovery when trapping in cold weather, you should make sure they have a warm, dry shelter that they are using before trapping so they can stay warm during recovery.  You can make or purchase shelters specifically designed for outdoor cats.  Always use straw for warmth, not hay which soaks up moisture, becomes moldy and can cause allergic reactions in cats.

Thank you for helping community cats!

PLEASE do not leave traps unattended or out overnight. People may hurt the cats, steal the traps or the cats could overheat in the hot weather or freeze in the cold weather. To learn more about feral cats and proper trap-neuter-return procedures, visit the Alley Cat Allies website at alleycat.org linked below, or https://ucancincinnati.org/tnr/aboutcommunitycats/ for guidelines.

• Feral and semi-feral cats MUST be brought in a Tru-Catch, Havahart or other humane trap for the safety of our staff. We DO NOT accept feral cats in carriers, cages, boxes, etc. Please do not use a racoon or small trap for cats - they do not give the cat enough room to recover safely in after surgery.

• Only one cat per trap - no exceptions. It is not safe for two cats to be sedated or to recover from surgery in a trap together.

• Only two trapped cats per person per day.
• All trapped cats will be ear-tipped - no exceptions.
• All cats aged 3 months or older will be given a rabies vaccination because it is required by law.

• Provide shelter in an enclosed and warm area for outdoor cats when it is below 40 degrees outside.  While we shave as little as possible to still maintain a sterile surgical area, the cat will still have a shaved area and needs a warm place to recover. Use straw not hay for warmth. Blankets are not very warm and absorb water.  Do not use anything but straw for bedding.